E-Shram Card 2026 New Update: E-Shram Card holders will now receive ₹9000 per month
Objective:
The Government of India has launched the e-Shram Card Yojana with the objective of securing the future of millions of workers in the unorganized sector. This scheme is a great relief for workers who depend on daily wages, casual labor, or small-scale work and who do not have any permanent social security for old age or emergencies. Through the e-Shram portal, the government is trying to provide identification, security, and financial support to these workers.
In this article, we will provide all the necessary information related to the e-Shram Card Yojana 2026, such as eligibility, benefits, application process, required documents, insurance cover, and pension benefits.
What is the e-Shram Card Yojana?
The e-Shram Card Yojana is a national initiative launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. Its main objective is to create a national database of workers in the unorganized sector so that they can directly benefit from government schemes. Every worker who registers on this portal is given an 18-digit unique Universal Account Number (UAN), which is called the e-Shram Card.
This card is valid throughout the country and helps in connecting workers to various social security schemes launched by the government in the future.
Objectives of the e-Shram Card Yojana
The government has several important objectives behind the e-Shram scheme. Firstly, to accurately identify and create data of unorganized workers. Secondly, to provide direct assistance to these workers during times of disaster or crisis. Thirdly, to connect social security schemes such as insurance, pension, and financial assistance through a single platform.
The government wants to ensure that no worker is deprived simply because they lack identification or documents.
Key Benefits of the e-Shram Card
Getting an e-Shram card provides workers with several direct and indirect benefits. Registered workers receive accident insurance coverage of up to ₹12 lakh. In case of partial disability, there is a provision for assistance up to Rs. 8 lakh.
In addition, future government schemes such as pension schemes, employment assistance, free rations, health insurance, and disaster relief can be directly provided to workers linked to the e-Shram database.
Which workers can get an e-Shram card?
The e-Shram card scheme is specifically for unorganized sector workers. This includes millions of people such as daily wage laborers, construction workers, rickshaw pullers, auto drivers, domestic workers, street vendors, farm laborers, fishermen, rag pickers, barbers, washermen, tailors, plumbers, and electricians.
If a person is not a member of EPFO, ESIC, or NPS and works in the unorganized sector, they are considered eligible for this scheme.
Eligibility for e-Shram Card
Some basic conditions have been set for obtaining an e-Shram card. The applicant must be between 18 and 70 years of age. They must be a citizen of India and employed in the unorganized sector. The applicant should not be a member of EPFO, ESIC, or any government pension scheme.
If these conditions are met, any worker can easily apply for an e-Shram card.
Documents Required for e-Shram Card
The list of documents for the e-Shram card has been kept very simple. The most important document is the Aadhaar card, which should be linked to a mobile number. In addition, bank account details, IFSC code, and a mobile number are required.
In some cases, information related to the worker's occupation or work is also requested so that they can be registered in the correct category.
Online Application Process for e-Shram Card
The application for the e-Shram card is entirely online. First, you have to go to the e-Shram portal. There, click on the 'Register on e-Shram' option and enter your Aadhaar number. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar, which needs to be verified.
After that, you have to fill in personal information, address, educational qualifications, occupation, and bank account details. After filling in all the information correctly, the form is submitted. After successful registration, the e-Shram card can be downloaded.
Workers who are unable to apply online can also register at their nearest CSC center or Jan Seva Kendra (Common Service Center).
Insurance Benefits of the e-Shram Card
e-Shram cardholders are linked to the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). Under this scheme, assistance of ₹12 lakh is provided in case of accidental death or total disability, and ₹9 lakh in case of partial disability.
This insurance is provided entirely with government support, so that the families of poor laborers can receive financial support during times of crisis.
Connection between e-Shram Card and Pension Scheme
The e-Shram card has paved the way for linking it to pension schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana in the future. Under this scheme, laborers can receive a monthly pension of ₹9000 after the age of 70.
Registration on the e-Shram portal makes it easier for the government to include laborers in such schemes.
What new benefits can be expected from the e-Shram Card in 2026?
The government is adding new facilities for e-Shram cardholders from time to time. In 2026, preparations are underway to increase coordination with the states under this scheme to directly link free ration, health services, skill training, and employment-related schemes to the e-Shram database.
This will eliminate the need for laborers to apply at different places, and benefits can be transferred directly to their accounts.
