Parul
In a remarkable achievement, the eShram portal has registered over 30 crore unorganized workers in just three years, setting the stage for a significant transformation in India’s labour landscape. Launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) on August 26, 2021, the eShram platform has rapidly become a vital tool for ensuring social security and welfare access for unorganised workers across the country.
The Government’s ambitious vision for eShram is to evolve it into a “One-Stop-Solution” for the country’s vast and diverse unorganised workforce. During the 2024-25 Budget speech, the finance minister announced plans for comprehensive integration of the eShram portal with other government portals to facilitate seamless access to various social security schemes. The aim is to enhance awareness and ensure that eligible beneficiaries, who may have been left out, are covered by these schemes.
Unifying social security under one roof
As part of this expansive “One-Stop-Solution” project, the Ministry of Labour and Employment is working to integrate several major social security schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G), among others.
The integration will create a unified platform where unorganised workers can easily access various social security benefits and welfare schemes. This will not only ensure that the schemes reach the grassroots level but also help in identifying and bringing in left-out beneficiaries who are eligible for these benefits.
Push for digital integration and inclusion
To further bolster this initiative, the Ministry is also focusing on a two-way integration of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) with the eShram portal. This strategic move will allow workers registered on either portal to seamlessly access services offered by both, enhancing skill development and employment opportunities.
The Government is particularly keen to include all categories of unorganized workers, including ASHA and Anganwadi workers, those employed in villages, Gram Panchayats, building and construction projects, and MGNREGA workers. To achieve this, the Ministry is holding regular inter-ministerial meetings with senior officials from various departments, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and the National Health Authority.
Collaboration across ministries to drive comprehensive coverage
To ensure comprehensive development and welfare of the unorganised sector, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has approached other ministries, including the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Rural Development, urging them to register all unorganized workers under their purview on the eShram portal at the earliest.
The push for collaboration among ministries and departments is aimed at achieving saturation of all schemes, ensuring no worker is left behind, and the benefits of the welfare schemes reach the intended recipients. The Government’s efforts underscore its commitment to empowering the unorganised workforce, a segment that has long been neglected and underserved.
As the eShram platform continues to grow, it is poised to become the cornerstone of India’s social security framework, ensuring that millions of unorganised workers have access to the resources and support they need to build a secure and prosperous future.
