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News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
E-Shram Card: How To Apply And Its Benefits
Last Updated: The database captures essential information of workers linked to their Aadhaar number. The Ministry of Labour and Employment launched the e-Shram portal in August 2021 as a part of the Government of India's initiative to build a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW). This platform is designed to extend social security benefits to workers in the unorganised sector, including construction workers, migrant labourers, gig workers, and platform-based workers. The database captures essential information of workers linked to their Aadhaar number, enabling the government to monitor their progress and ensure targeted delivery of welfare schemes. Ultimately, the e-Shram portal aims to streamline access to various government benefits and services, enhancing the socio-economic security of unorganised workers across the country. Any person working in the unorganised sector can apply for an e-Shram card for free and, notably, get various benefits such as death insurance, a pension after 60 years, and other types of financial aid in case of incapacity. If you also want to apply for an e-shram card, here's a step-by-step guide to registering for an e-shram card and its benefits. e-SHRAM portal: Here's How To Register Step 1: Visit the official website of e-SHRAM at Step 2: On the homepage, click on Register on the e-SHRAM link/section. Step 3: Upon clicking, the user will be redirected to a new page. Step 5: In the next step, enter the captcha and select if they are a member of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) or the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) option. Step 6: Click on send OTP, and the user will then have to fill out the registration form for e-SHRAM. Step 7: Enter your personal details, like your address, education, and bank account, to complete the registration process. Step 8: Upload the required documents and hit the Submit button. Step 9: Print a copy of the application form and download the UAN card. e-SHRAM portal: Benefits Registered unorganised workers will get accidental insurance coverage for a year under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. For accidental death and permanent disability, the sanctioned amount is Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh in case of partial disability. The workers can also get access to union and state government social security benefits like PM Jan Arogya Yojana, PM SVANidhi, PM Awas Yojana and MGNREGA through the e-SHRAM portal. Moreover, it is a single platform for unorganised workers to access information and benefits. The registration will be useful for the union and state governments to give assistance to eligible workers in case of natural calamities or pandemics. view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 08:56 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India pushes for social security pacts in all FTAs
India might soon enter into a social security agreement (SSA) with the US as the two nations are intensely engaging to seal a bilateral trade agreement. Going forward, such agreements could become an integral part of all free trade agreements (FTAs), including those currently under negotiation, top sources in the Ministry of Labour and Employment confirmed on Wednesday. Sources familiar with the deliberations said that the issue was already discussed in a recent meeting between Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. "It has also been taken up with the US, but it is not clear as of now if the US will accept India's demand," one of the sources said. An SSA is a reciprocal arrangement between two or more countries under which an employee on a foreign assignment is not required to contribute to the host country's social security fund but still receives the full benefit of their employment period for pension calculation. Additionally, employers are saved from making double social security contributions on behalf of their workers. However, such Indian workers abroad are required to obtain a Certificate of Coverage (CoC) from the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which helps them avoid paying social security contributions in the countries where they are posted. The EPFO has been authorised to issue the Certificate of Coverage to employees posted in nations that have signed an agreement with India. India currently has social security agreements with over 20 countries, including Germany, France, Canada, Japan, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, and Australia. The recently concluded India-UK free trade agreement also includes a double contribution convention that provides a three-year exemption from social security contributions for Indian professionals temporarily working in the UK. "This will be of great help to Indians working temporarily in the UK, and the plan is to now include such a social security agreement in negotiations for all FTAs," the source added. India is currently negotiating free trade agreements with many countries, including the European Union. Furthermore, the country has emerged as a major source of skilled manpower, especially in IT and IT-enabled services, and such an agreement could significantly benefit Indian professionals working abroad. The move has been triggered by a substantial increase in India's social security coverage over the last 10 years, with the country approaching developed nations' levels, thus gaining enough confidence to negotiate on SSAs even with major economies.
NDTV
02-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Social Security Of Overseas Workers Now On India's Trade Deal Agenda
New Delhi: As India deepens its trade ties globally, the centre is looking for new pathways to protect the rights of its thousands of Indian professionals working overseas, while also boosting the country's image globally with its welfare programmes. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has urged the Commerce Ministry to include provisions for social security pacts as a mandatory clause in ongoing and future bilateral negotiations for the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The move aims to ensure that Indian workers -- especially those employed by Indian companies based overseas -- do not lose out on social welfare benefits, either in host countries or when they return home. This is particularly relevant as India prepares for crucial negotiations with developed economies like the United States, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union, where social protection regimes are tightly regulated. The move comes at a time when the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has recognised that 64 per cent of India's population is now under a social security net-- a major milestone in global terms. Sources in the labour ministry told NDTV that ILO's acknowledgement is being seen as a diplomatic asset, strengthening India's credibility and bargaining power at international labour and trade forums. What's A Social Security Agreement Social Security Agreements (SSAs) are bilateral treaties which allow the export of social security benefits, totalisation of insurance periods, and prevent dual contribution of social security in the country of origin and destination for inter-corporate transfers. These agreements help protect workers' interests and increase the circular migration of highly skilled labour. India has signed such agreements with 22 countries, mostly in Europe. However, major destinations for Indian professionals like the US, Canada, and Australia still lack such.
India Gazette
01-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Employment Linked Incentive scheme expected to generate over 3.5 crore jobs: Sumita Dawra
New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI): Following the Union Cabinet's approval of the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme to support employment generation, former secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Sumita Dawra, said that the scheme is expected to generate over 3.5 crore jobs. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme to support employment generation, enhance employability and social security across all sectors, with special focus on the manufacturing sector. Speaking to ANI about the scheme, former secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Sumita Dawra, said, 'This scheme was announced in the Union budget 2024-2025 with a historic budgetary announcement of more than Rs 1 lakh crore. The scheme has been prepared with a lot of consultation with industry, trade unions, more than 25 ministries of the government of India, with all the state governments, and with the regional workshops, which were done in the states to consult the industry there and the officers, so it's a consultative approach.' 'The Prime Minister was very clear that the scheme should be simple and effective so that the real benefit of the scheme reaches the youth of the country, particularly the first-timers who are entering the workforce, and also it serves as an incentive for employment generation, particularly in the manufacturing sector... More than 3.5 crore jobs are expected as a result of the scheme.' Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), echoed similar sentiments. 'This is a much-needed and timely intervention. The industry has long advocated for an employment-linked incentive scheme to drive job creation and workforce formalisation,' she said. Banerjee expressed optimism that the scheme would significantly increase EPFO coverage and bring more workers under the social security net. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier briefed the media about the scheme's structure, which is designed in two parts, aiming to ease hiring challenges and encourage employers to recruit young people entering the workforce for the first time. According to an official release, under the ELI scheme, first-time employees will receive one month's wage up to Rs 15,000. Employers will receive incentives for two years for generating additional employment, with extended benefits for an additional two years in the manufacturing sector. The ELI Scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 as part of the PM's package of five schemes to facilitate employment, skilling and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth with a total budget outlay of Rs 2 lakh crore. With an outlay of Rs 99,446 Crore, the ELI Scheme aims to incentivise the creation of more than 3.5 crore jobs in the country over 2 years. Out of these, 1.92 Crore beneficiaries will be first-time entrants into the workforce. The benefits of the Scheme will apply to jobs created between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027. The scheme consists of two parts, with Part A focused on first timers and Part B focused on employers. Targeting first-time employees registered with EPFO, this Part will offer a one-month EPF wage up to Rs 15,000 in two instalments. Employees with salaries up to Rs 1 lakh will be eligible. The 1st instalment will be payable after 6 months of service, and the 2nd instalment will be payable after 12 months of service and completion of a financial literacy programme by the employee. To encourage the habit of saving, a portion of the incentive will be deposited into a savings instrument or deposit account for a fixed period and can be withdrawn by the employee at a later date. Part A will benefit around 1.92 crore first-time employees, while Part B will provide support to employers. This part will cover the generation of additional employment in all sectors, with a special focus on the manufacturing sector. Employers will receive incentives for employees with salaries up to Rs 1 lakh. The Government will incentivise employers, up to Rs 3000 per month, for two years, for each additional employee with sustained employment for at least six months. For the manufacturing sector, incentives will also be extended to the 3rd and 4th years. Establishments registered with EPFO will be required to hire at least two additional employees (for employers with fewer than 50 employees) or five additional employees (for employers with 50 or more employees) on a sustained basis for at least six months. All payments to the first-time employees under Part A of the Scheme will be made through the DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) mode using the Aadhar Bridge Payment System (ABPS). Payments to the Employers under Part B will be made directly into their PAN-linked Accounts. With the ELI Scheme, the government intends to catalyse job creation in all sectors, particularly in the manufacturing sector, while also incentivising young people joining the workforce for the first time. An important outcome of the Scheme will also be the formalisation of the country's workforce by extending social security coverage for crores of young men and women. (ANI)
News18
25-06-2025
- Business
- News18
India Gears Up To Launch Landmark Social Security Scheme For Gig Workers
Last Updated: The government plans to extend benefits of Ayushman Bharat to nearly one crore gig and platform workers In a major step toward formalising protection for India's growing gig economy, the government is preparing to roll out a dedicated social security scheme for gig and platform workers under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)—the world's largest publicly funded health insurance program. The announcement, made as part of the Union Budget 2025, marks a watershed moment for the country's informal workforce, which has long remained outside the ambit of structured welfare systems. PM-JAY, also known as Ayushman Bharat, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, 2018, and currently provides Rs 5 lakh health insurance per family per year to over 50 crore citizens. Now, the government plans to extend its benefits to nearly 1 crore gig and platform workers—a category that includes delivery personnel, drivers, and freelance service providers across digital platforms. According to sources in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, over 20 lakh gig workers have already registered on the e-Shram portal and will soon be issued unique identification numbers that will link them to welfare benefits. To accelerate this drive, the government has mobilised labour offices, community centres, and EPF offices, alongside a widespread awareness campaign. A formal notification has also been issued to all platform aggregators, directing them to register both themselves and their workers under the upcoming scheme—a move that puts responsibility on companies like ride-sharing apps and food delivery platforms to ensure compliance. India's gig economy is growing rapidly and is projected to reach 23.5 million workers by 2030. While it has created flexible employment opportunities, especially in sectors like e-commerce, logistics, and transport, the workforce remains highly vulnerable. Despite their essential contribution to the economy, gig workers have so far operated largely outside the formal social security net. Sources familiar with the matter reveal that the final contours of the scheme are in advanced stages of preparation, with most of the groundwork already complete. 'While many countries are still debating how to bring gig workers under social welfare coverage, India has taken a lead by moving swiftly toward a formalised scheme," said a senior official involved in the process. It is learnt that the scheme could be launched by the end of 2025, but for implementation to begin, an amendment to the existing labour codes may be required — a matter that is currently under consideration. The government is also actively considering adding pension benefits as part of a broader social security package for gig workers. Stakeholder consultations are underway, involving policymakers, labour experts, platform companies, and worker representatives to finalise the modalities. The ambitious move is being seen as part of the Modi government's broader effort to bring economic dignity and structured support to workers on the margins of India's labour economy. If implemented successfully, the scheme could become a global benchmark in gig worker welfare—offering a scalable model for other countries facing similar challenges in the digital labour space. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 25, 2025, 10:11 IST
