A country needs to have welfare and social security schemes for its subjects. The workers in the unorganised and unskilled sector were deprived of any such social security for a long period. Upon noticing such an imbalance in society, the government introduced the E-Shram Card scheme.
What Is An E-Shram Card And What Is Its Significance?
An e-Shram card is an entitlement for unorganised sector workers such as rickshaw pullers, migrant workers, hawkers, vendors, etc. It aims to provide certain medical and other benefits to 380 million targeted stakeholders by employing a centralised identification system.
It is also known as a ‘labour card’ for registered users in the unorganised sector. A national database is created for all such users which includes migrants, construction workers and gig economy workers.
It is a voluntary scheme that not only provides medical and insurance benefits but also acts as a channel of dissemination of information between the beneficiaries and the government.
What Are The Benefits Of E-Shram Cards?
E-Shram cards have multiple benefits for their users. A beneficiary can avail accidental insurance for 2 lakh rupees. In case of accidental death or permanent disability, the nominated member from the family of the beneficiary is entitled to the sum. Medical and hospitalisation benefits, free annual health check-ups and pension after the age of retirement are some other benefits of this government scheme.
To know more about the benefits and impact of this government scheme, read Jaagruk Bharat’s article about ‘2 Lakh Free Insurance And More With E-Shram Card’.
What Are The Changes Brought In The Unorganised Sector By the E-Shram Scheme?
The E-Shram scheme has brought a paradigm shift in the working of the unorganised sector. While the workers in the sector did not have any social security whatsoever before this, now they have a pool of benefits related to welfare and security.
Access to social security schemes such as insurance, medical benefits and pension has become easier through the cards. The centralised database system further facilitates ease of access and promotes implementation.
The card extends economic stability and financial empowerment to the workers. It stabilises their income as any unanticipated incidents are covered by the card.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria For The e-Shram Scheme?
The eligibility criteria for e-Shram is simple. One needs to be an Indian citizen within the age group of 18-40 years. Unorganised sector workers who do not pay income tax and who are not beneficiaries of EPFO/ECIS/NPSA are eligible to apply for the scheme.
Conclusion
The e-Shram scheme initiated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in August 2021 is a spectacular scheme that encompasses all concerns and issues of workers in the unorganised sector. The portability and access to social welfare have been facilitated through this scheme.
To know more about this scheme, contact your local Seva Kendra or social welfare office. To know more about such government schemes, stay connected to Jaagruk Bharat as we bring to you the most reliable and detailed information.
