e-Shram Portal: Key Updates and Significance

The e-Shram Portal, launched in 2021, marks a significant milestone in creating an inclusive social security ecosystem for India’s unorganised workforce. This matters for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies Papers 2 and 3, as it relates to government policies and social justice. Last Updated: 28-08-2026

Key Facts About e-Shram Portal

• Launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
• Defines an unorganised worker as a home-based, self-employed, or wage worker in the unorganised sector, excluding EPFO, ESIC, and government employees.
• Provides a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) for identification and access to welfare services.
• Aims to improve social security delivery through inter-ministerial convergence and secure data sharing.
• Facilitates nationwide portability of welfare benefits, aiding migrant and construction workers.
• Over 31.89 crore registrations, integrating welfare schemes, employment, skilling, and pension services.
• Eligibility: Any unorganised worker aged 16 years and above, not an income tax payer or EPFO/ESIC member.
• Covers diverse categories including construction, migrant, gig, street vendors, and domestic workers.
• Strengthens India’s vision of "Viksit Bharat" by promoting an inclusive social security framework.

India's Social Security Evolution

The e-Shram Portal is pivotal in India's socio-economic strategy, aligning with the nation’s goals of inclusive growth and social justice. It enhances India’s global standing by providing a robust social security framework for its unorganised workforce, contributing to economic stability and social equity. The portal's integration of welfare services signifies a leap towards digital governance and efficient service delivery.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.
• GS Paper 3: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
• Prelims: Facts about the launch year, ministry involved, and key features like UAN.
• Mains: Analytical themes on social security, digital governance, and labour welfare.
• Essay Paper: Topics on social justice and digital transformation in governance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the e-Shram Portal? e-Shram is a digital platform launched in 2021 to create India’s first Aadhaar-authenticated National Database of Unorganised Workers and provide access to social security services.
• Which Ministry launched the e-Shram Portal? The e-Shram Portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in 2021.
• What is the Universal Account Number (UAN) in e-Shram? UAN is a unique 12-digit identification number provided to every registered unorganised worker.
• How many workers are registered on e-Shram? More than 31.89 crore workers have registered on the portal.
• Who can register on e-Shram? Any unorganised worker aged 16 years or above, who is not an income tax payer and not an EPFO/ESIC member, can register.