The government has announced that approximately 60 lakh unorganised workers, including more than 22,000 platform-based gig workers, have successfully registered on the e-Shram portal in Punjab. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive national database for unorganised sector workers, facilitating access to various social security benefits.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the Ministry of Labour and Employment launched the e-Shram portal in 2021. The portal’s core function is to register unorganised workers and provide them with a Universal Account Number (UAN) based on self-declaration. This database is designed to be linked with national services to enhance employment opportunities, skill development, and pension schemes.
Extensive Reach and Linkages
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, informed the Lok Sabha that Punjab has registered over 60.36 lakh unorganised workers on the e-Shram portal. She highlighted the importance of such platforms in identifying individuals in the unorganised sector to ensure they receive crucial social security benefits. The registered workers include 22,272 platform-based gig workers, signifying the growing gig economy within the state.
The e-Shram portal has been integrated with several key national initiatives. These include the National Career Service for job placements, the Skill India Digital Hub for skill enhancement programs, and the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) scheme, which provides pension benefits to unorganised workers. Additionally, the portal connects with the convergence portal of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), enabling e-Shram cardholders to access a wider array of services and government schemes.
District-wise Registration Trends
The registration data reveals significant participation from various districts within Punjab. Ludhiana district leads the state with the highest number of registrations, accounting for 8.96 lakh unorganised workers. This is followed by Patiala, which has registered 4.89 lakh workers, and Sangrur with 3.72 lakh workers. These figures underscore the concentrated efforts and outreach within these key industrial and agricultural hubs.
Sectoral Breakdown of Registrations
The registrations on the e-Shram portal from Punjab cover a diverse range of sectors within the unorganised economy. A substantial number of agricultural labourers, amounting to 14.44 lakh, have been registered. The apparel industry has seen 6.78 lakh workers sign up, while the automobile sector has registered 1.94 lakh workers. Construction workers form another significant group, with 9.73 lakh individuals registered on the portal. Other sectors also contribute to the overall registration numbers, reflecting the broad scope of the unorganised workforce in the state.
Strategies for Enhanced Registration and Outreach
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has implemented a multi-pronged strategy to boost registrations under the e-Shram initiative across all states and Union Territories. This strategy focuses on reaching a wider population of unorganised workers to ensure comprehensive coverage.
In addition to facilitating self-registration via the web portal and a dedicated mobile application, the ministry has established assisted registration channels. These include Common Service Centres (CSCs), State Sewa Kendras (SSKs), and the UMANG platform. These assisted modes are designed to provide easy access and support to workers who may face challenges with digital self-registration, ensuring inclusivity and broader participation.
Targeted awareness campaigns are a cornerstone of the ministry’s outreach efforts. These campaigns comprise registration drives conducted in various communities, extensive community outreach programs, and the development of locally tailored communication materials to resonate with diverse worker groups. This approach aims to inform workers about the benefits of registration and encourage their participation.
To further amplify its reach and engagement, the ministry actively leverages social media channels. Informative videos, step-by-step tutorials, and other relevant content are disseminated through these platforms. This digital strategy aims to make the e-Shram initiative more accessible, understandable, and engaging for the unorganised workforce across the country.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
