The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) recently celebrated a major achievement with the eShram portal surpassing the registration of over 30 crore unorganised workers. Launched three years ago, the portal has rapidly become a vital tool in creating a digital infrastructure to support and empower India’s unorganised workforce. This milestone marks significant progress in addressing the needs of a section of the population that has traditionally been underserved.
Purpose of the eShram Portal: A One-Stop Solution
The eShram portal is designed as a comprehensive platform to offer unorganised workers easier access to social security benefits and government schemes. Acting as a “One-Stop-Solution,” the portal helps simplify the process of availing essential services. Unorganised workers, who often struggle to navigate bureaucratic systems, can now access multiple welfare schemes through a single portal, making it more efficient for them to secure the benefits they deserve.
Enhancing Digital Integration for Unorganised Workers
In the Union Budget 2024-25, the government announced plans to further enhance the functionality of the eShram portal by integrating it with other key online platforms. This move will transform the portal into an even more powerful resource, ensuring that unorganised workers can seamlessly access various social welfare initiatives. By streamlining access to these services, the government aims to provide a holistic support system for the workers who form the backbone of India’s economy.
Integration with Social Security Schemes
One of the most significant features of the eShram portal is its integration with important social security schemes, which offers a range of benefits designed to protect and uplift unorganised workers. The Ministry of Labour & Employment is actively working to link the following schemes to the platform:
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): A life insurance scheme offering financial security to workers’ families in the event of untimely death.
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): An accident insurance scheme providing coverage for accidental death or disability.
- Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): A health insurance scheme offering free treatment for up to ₹5 lakh annually at empanelled hospitals.
- Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi): A scheme offering financial support to street vendors, enabling them to expand their businesses and secure their livelihoods.
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): A scheme that guarantees employment in rural areas, helping to ensure financial stability for unorganised rural workers.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G): A rural housing scheme designed to provide affordable housing for the rural poor.
- Ration Card Scheme: A scheme that allows eligible families to access subsidized food grains, ensuring food security for unorganised workers and their families.
Empowering Workers Through Simplified Access
By integrating these schemes with the eShram portal, the government has made it easier for unorganised workers to access crucial resources and support. This digital platform not only streamlines the process of securing benefits but also ensures that workers can safeguard their rights and welfare. Whether it’s life insurance, health coverage, financial aid, or employment guarantees, the portal brings essential services closer to those who need them most.
The Road Ahead
The success of the eShram portal highlights the government’s commitment to improving the lives of unorganised workers. By building a centralized, user-friendly system, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has taken a significant step towards ensuring that the unorganised workforce has a stronger safety net. As the portal continues to evolve and more schemes are integrated, it promises to be a game-changer in bridging the gap between unorganised workers and their entitlements, leading to a more secure and empowered future for millions across the country.
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