India’s unorganized sector is the engine that drives the nation’s economy. From construction workers to street vendors, domestic helpers, farm laborers, delivery boys, rickshaw pullers, daily wage earners, Anganwadi and ASHA workers—lakhs of people work hard every day without job security, insurance, or stable income protection.

✔ What is E-Shram Card / Labour Card
✔ Benefits & features (Updated 2025–2026)
✔ Eligibility criteria
✔ Required documents
✔ How to apply online (Step-by-step)
✔ Offline/CSC method
✔ How to download the card
✔ How to update or correct details
✔ How to check status
✔ Validity & renewal
✔ State-wise welfare uses
✔ FAQs

🔍 What is the Labour Card / E-Shram Card?

The Labour Card or E-Shram Card is a digital identity card launched by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, exclusively for people working in the unorganized sector.

Once a worker registers, they are issued a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN), which stays valid for life. This UAN becomes their permanent worker identity across India.

The E-Shram Card includes:

• Worker’s name
• Aadhaar-linked details
• Occupation and skill type
• Address
• Bank account number
• Emergency contact
• QR code for verification

It works as a national-level database for unorganized workers, helping them get better access to government schemes, insurance, pensions, skills training, and emergency support.

🎯 Main Objectives of Labour Card 2025–2026

The E-Shram portal was created with several goals:

1. Creating a National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW)

Before E-Shram, crores of workers were not officially documented. The portal creates a single verified database.

2. Providing Social Security Benefits

Workers gain easy access to insurance, pensions, maternity benefits, scholarships, and more.

3. Ensuring Emergency Assistance

During crises like COVID-19, floods, and disasters, support can reach workers immediately via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

4. Employment Matching

Skill-based job opportunities are provided to workers using their profile data.

5. Financial Inclusion

More unorganized workers become part of the banking system, improving transparency and benefit delivery.

The card aims to ensure no worker is left out of the welfare system.

👷‍♂️ Who Can Apply for Labour Card?

Construction & Industrial Workers

• Masons
• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Welders
• Painters
• Plumbers
• Fabrication workers

Transport & Mobile Workers

• Rickshaw pullers
• Auto drivers
• Bus helpers
• Cab drivers
• Delivery partners (Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, Flipkart)

Home-based & Self-Employed Workers

• Tailors
• Barbers
• Beauticians
• Washermen
• Mechanics
• Photographers
• Street vendors

Domestic Workers

• Housemaids
• Cooks
• Babysitters
• Elderly caretakers

Agriculture & Rural Workers

• Farmers
• Daily farm labour
• Fishermen
• Dairy workers

Other Eligible Workers

• ASHA workers
• Anganwadi workers
• Mid-day meal workers
• Migrant labourers
• Daily wage earners

If you are not a government employee, not paying income tax, and not covered under EPFO/ESIC, you can apply.

📋 Eligibility Criteria for Labour Card 2025–2026

To register for E-Shram Card, the applicant must:

✔ Be an Indian citizen
✔ Be 16 to 59 years old
✔ Work in the unorganized sector
✔ Not be an income tax payer
✔ Not be a member of EPFO or ESIC
✔ Have an Aadhaar-linked mobile number

📑 Documents Required to Apply for Labour Card Online

Mandatory Documents

1. Aadhaar Card
2. Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
3. Bank account number with IFSC

Optional (If available)

• Passport-size photo
• Skill certificate
• Occupation details

The process is fully paperless—no document upload is required unless asked.

💰 Major Benefits of Labour Card 2025–2026

The E-Shram Card unlocks a wide range of benefits for workers.

⭐ 1. ₹2 Lakh Accident Insurance (PMSBY)

Every registered worker gets free accident insurance coverage:

• ₹2,00,000 for accidental death
• ₹2,00,000 for permanent disability
• ₹1,00,000 for partial disability

This is one of the biggest advantages of the Labour Card.

⭐ 2. Eligibility for Multiple Government Schemes

• Ayushman Bharat health insurance
• PM Ujjwala Yojana (LPG gas connection)
• PM Awas Yojana (housing scheme)
• PM Street Vendor (SVANidhi) loan
• PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Pension
• State-level BOCW benefits
• Scholarships for children

⭐ 3. Pension Benefits

Upon turning 60, workers become eligible for a monthly pension under the Maandhan Yojana.

⭐ 4. Maternity & Child Support

Women workers get financial support during pregnancy and childbirth.

⭐ 5. Skill Development & Employment Opportunities

Workers can get:

• Free skill training
• Certification programs
• Job-matching support based on UAN profile

⭐ 6. Direct Financial Assistance Through DBT

All eligible benefits are transferred directly into the worker’s bank account.

⭐ 7. Official Worker Verification Nationwide

The UAN is valid across India and useful for:

• Government verification
• Employment identification
• Access to state labour benefits

🖥️ How to Apply Online for Labour Card 2025–2026

Applying online using a mobile phone takes 5–7 minutes.

Step 1: Visit the Official E-Shram Portal

Go to: https://eshram.gov.in

Step 2: Click on “Register on E-Shram”

You will see the button on the home page.

Step 3: Enter Aadhaar-linked Mobile Number

Enter your number → Enter Captcha → Continue.

Step 4: Verify OTP

You will receive an OTP on your mobile. Enter it to continue.

Step 5: Fill Aadhaar Details

Enter your Aadhaar number and agree to the consent declaration.

Step 6: Enter Personal Details

Fill in:

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Marital status
• Category
• Address

Step 7: Select Your Occupation Category

Choose your exact job type such as:

✔ Construction work
✔ Agriculture
✔ Domestic help
✔ Transport
✔ Vendor
✔ Tailoring
✔ Beautician
✔ Labourer

Step 8: Enter Skill Information

If you have any skill certifications, mention them here.

Step 9: Enter Bank Details

Provide:

• Account number
• IFSC code
• Bank name

Step 10: Submit & Download Your E-Shram Card

Once submitted, you will get your:

✔ 12-digit UAN
✔ E-Shram Card PDF
✔ Registered worker status

You can download the card immediately.

State / UT	Official Registration Portal	Apply Now
Delhi	labour.delhi.gov.in	Apply Now
Uttar Pradesh	uplabour.gov.in	Apply Now
Bihar	blrd.skillmissionbihar.org	Apply Now
Rajasthan	labour.rajasthan.gov.in	Apply Now
Karnataka	klwbapps.karnataka.gov.in	Apply Now
Tamil Nadu	labour.tn.gov.in	Apply Now
West Bengal	labour.wb.gov.in	Apply Now
Maharashtra	mahatmaandolan.maharashtra.gov.in	Apply Now
Haryana	hrylabour.gov.in	Apply Now
Punjab	pblabour.gov.in	Apply Now
Odisha	labour.odisha.gov.in	Apply Now
Gujarat	bocw.gujarat.gov.in	Apply Now
Kerala	labour.kerala.gov.in	Apply Now
Assam	labour.assam.gov.in	Apply Now

🏣 How to Apply Offline (Through CSC Center)

If you don’t have a smartphone or Aadhaar-linked mobile, visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC).

Steps:

1. Carry your Aadhaar & bank details
2. Provide mobile number
3. Give occupation information
4. The operator registers your details
5. You get your printed Labour Card instantly

📲 How to Download E-Shram Card PDF

1. Visit eshram.gov.in
2. Click “Update / Download UAN Card”
3. Enter mobile number → Verify OTP
4. Click Download Card

Your card will be saved in PDF form.

🔁 How to Update E-Shram Card Details in 2025–2026

Workers can update:

• Phone number
• Bank details
• Address
• Occupation
• Skills

Updating Process:

1. Go to E-Shram Portal
2. Click “Update Profile / Edit Information”
3. Login using mobile number & OTP
4. Edit necessary details
5. Save & download updated card

📝 How to Check Labour Card Registration Status

1. Visit the official portal
2. Click “Already Registered”
3. Log in with OTP
4. Check:

• Registration status
• UAN validity
• Update requirements

💳 Labour Card Validity & Renewal 2025–2026

✔ The Labour Card is valid for life
✔ No renewal is required
✔ Workers must update details regularly to continue receiving benefits

🏅 State-wise Uses of Labour Card

Many states provide additional welfare benefits to registered workers:

• Marriage assistance
• Free tool kits
• Scholarships for children
• Funeral assistance
• Health support
• Emergency financial help
• Maternity benefits
• Work-related compensation

States like UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala run strong BOCW boards using E-Shram data.

📞 E-Shram Helpline (2025–2026)

• Toll-Free Number: 14434
• Email Support: helpdesk.eshram@gov.in
• Available in multiple regional languages

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Labour Card registration free?

Yes. There is no fee for registration.

2. Can salaried employees apply?

No. Only unorganized sector workers can register.

3. Can I apply without Aadhaar-linked mobile?

No. Aadhaar OTP is mandatory. Update the mobile number at Aadhaar Seva Kendra before applying.

4. What if I lose my card?

You can download it anytime from the portal.

5. Do I need to renew my E-Shram Card?

No renewal required. Only updates are necessary.

6. What age group can apply?

Workers aged 16 to 59 years.

7. Is E-Shram Card useful for government schemes?

Yes, it is used for many central and state welfare programs.

🧾 Conclusion

The Labour Card / E-Shram Card 2025–2026 is one of the most important welfare tools for India’s unorganized sector workers. With just a simple online registration, workers can access:

✔ Accident insurance
✔ Pensions
✔ Maternity benefits
✔ Skill development
✔ Job opportunities
✔ State-level welfare schemes
✔ Direct Benefit Transfers