Union government integrates 12 schemes on eShram portal
- The Central Government’s ‘eShram-One Stop Solution’ portal, which aims to integrate information on welfare schemes meant for unorganised workers in an effective manner on a single platform, has now integrated 12 schemes of different Central Ministries and Departments to the site.
Highlights:
- The Central Government’s ‘eShram-One Stop Solution’ portal has successfully integrated 12 schemes from various Central Ministries and Departments to provide unorganised workers with easy access to multiple welfare schemes.
- The aim is to centralize and streamline benefits on a single platform. States and Union Territories have also been encouraged to bring their respective schemes for unorganised workers onto this platform.
Ease of Access and Outreach:
- The portal is designed to provide unorganised sector workers with one-click access to welfare schemes. To increase its reach, the platform offers services in multiple regional languages and conducts outreach programs to spread awareness about how to register and utilize the benefits.
- The Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is spearheading efforts to ensure effective registration and participation.
Mass Enrollment and Social Impact:
- Since its launch in August 2021, more than 30 crore unorganised workers have enrolled on the eShram portal, highlighting its widespread appeal and significant social impact. The government views this initiative as a key step toward supporting the large workforce in the unorganised sector, providing them with access to essential welfare benefits.
National Database of Unorganised Workers:
- The portal was created with the objective of establishing a ‘National Database of Unorganised Workers.’ Upon registration, workers receive a Universal Account Number (UAN), simplifying their access to various welfare schemes.
Unorganised Sector Statistics:
- As per the 2021-22 Economic Survey, 43.99 crore workers out of India’s total workforce of 53.53 crore are employed in the unorganised sector. Gender-wise data shared in Parliament earlier this year indicates that, as of March 31, 2024, the number of workers enrolled on the eShram portal included 15.67 crore females, 13.83 crore males, and 6,461 others.
Prelims Takeaways:
- Universal Account Number (UAN)
- e-Shram portal