e-SHRAM Portal

A comprehensive National Database of Unorganized Workers

For the first time in the history of India, a comprehensive National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW) or e-SHRAM Portal is being launched to register 38 crores, unorganized workers, by the Labour and Employment Ministry.

According to the Economic Survey of 2018-19, 93% of the total workforce in India belongs to the unorganized sector.

Based on the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act, 2008, “unorganized sector” means an enterprise owned by individuals or self-employed workers and engaged in the production or sale of goods or providing service of any kind whatsoever, and where the enterprise employs workers, the number of such workers should be less than 10. It is marked by low incomes, unstable and irregular employment. These unorganized workers are construction workers, migrant workers, street vendors, domestic workers, milkmen, truck drivers, Fishermen, Agriculture workers (nor farmers), and other workers.

Key Features 

• It will register them and help deliver various social security schemes being implemented by the Central and state governments (like - PM Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana) anywhere anytime.

• The workers will be issued a Labour Shramik Card containing a 12 digit unique number [Universal Account Number (UAN)] for availing of the benefits.

• Provision of the accidental cover of Rs. 2 lakh in case of death or permanent disability and Rs.1 lakh in case of partial disability.

• The database will serve as a reference point for the authorities to track and reach out to unorganized workers and offer them relief in times of crisis.

Limitations

• The portal has limited access to workers who do not have an Aadhaar card will not be able to register.

• The whole registration system does not account for the ‘Digital Divide’, which is creating barriers for workers to access services and understand them.

This initiative will be a helping hand for the informal workers, both in rural and urban areas, because they have been hit the most due to the pandemic. 

This edition of econSHOT is proofread by Asha Mary Reji. The thumbnail art is designed by Pranjal Sharma.

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