The e-Shram card, a major initiative by the Government of India, serves as a gateway to over 100 government schemes and benefits. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, this card is designed for unorganized sector workers and is considered a crucial document for accessing financial aid, employment opportunities, and social security. The government has indicated that any future direct monetary assistance will be transferred only to those who possess an e-Shram card. With over 31 crore people already registered, this card has become essential for anyone seeking to benefit from government programs.
Why is the e-Shram Card So Important?
The e-Shram card is more than just an identity card; it is your direct link to a multitude of government welfare schemes. The government considers individuals with an e-Shram card as those in need of support. It is the key to unlocking loans, pensions, housing assistance, insurance, and more. If you haven’t made this card, you may be missing out on significant benefits provided by the government.
Finding and Applying for Schemes
All information about the benefits available to cardholders can be found on the official e-Shram portal. By visiting the “Schemes” section on the website, you can explore two main categories: Social Security Welfare Schemes and Employment Schemes. To apply for any specific program, you can simply click the “Site Visit” option next to the scheme’s description, which will take you directly to the official application form.
Social Security and Welfare Schemes
The e-Shram card provides access to numerous social security schemes designed to protect you and your family.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Yojana This pension scheme provides financial security for old age. By contributing a monthly amount between ₹55 and ₹200, cardholders can receive a pension of ₹3,000 per month after reaching the age of 60. A couple can receive ₹6,000 per month. This is available for individuals aged 18 to 40 with a monthly income of less than ₹15,000.
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) This scheme offers a life insurance cover of ₹2 lakh. It is available to cardholders between the ages of 18 and 50 who have a Jan Dhan or savings account linked with their Aadhaar. In the event of death from any cause, the nominee receives the sum.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) For an annual premium of just ₹20, this scheme provides accident insurance. It offers ₹2 lakh for accidental death or full disability and ₹1 lakh for partial disability. The eligible age for this scheme is 18 to 70 years.
Atal Pension Yojana This pension plan allows cardholders aged 18 to 40 to receive a fixed monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after retirement. A bank account linked to Aadhaar is required to join the scheme.
Public Distribution System (PDS) e-Shram cardholders are eligible for free rations. Under this system, families can receive 35 kg of rice or wheat to ensure food security.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) If you have an e-Shram card, you can apply for assistance to build a house. This scheme provides ₹1,20,000 directly to the beneficiary’s bank account for the construction of a home in rural areas.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) e-Shram cardholders can easily get an Ayushman Card, which provides free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year at empaneled hospitals. This ensures that you and your family have access to quality healthcare without financial burden.
Other Benefits Additional schemes provide monthly pensions for the elderly, starting from ₹1,000, and financial support through the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation.
Employment and Livelihood Schemes
The e-Shram card also opens doors to various employment and skill development opportunities.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Cardholders over the age of 18 can get 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in their local Gram Panchayat each financial year. The wages are transferred directly to their bank accounts.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) This scheme is aimed at the children of e-Shram cardholders. It provides skill training to poor rural youth and helps them secure jobs with regular monthly wages.
PM SVANidhi Scheme This scheme provides a loan of up to ₹10,000 to street vendors. For e-Shram cardholders, a portion of this loan is forgiven by the government.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana Through this scheme, cardholders can avail of loans up to ₹10 lakh to start or expand their business.
Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) This program offers financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh for setting up new enterprises, promoting self-employment.
Additional Financial Support The government also provides financial aid for various personal needs, including:
- Kanyadan Yojana: ₹51,000 for a daughter’s marriage.
- Education: Financial assistance for children’s studies.
- Other Needs: Support for purchasing sewing machines, cycles, and scooters.
