E-Shram Card Scheme is a practical way for unorganised workers to secure a minimum assured ₹3,000 monthly pension at 60 through the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM), with the government matching your monthly contribution until retirement. E-Shram Card Scheme is designed to make enrollment simple through self-service and assisted channels, ensuring nationwide access for workers who are not covered by EPFO, ESIC, or NPS.
The E-Shram Card Scheme connects unorganised workers to PM-SYM, a voluntary and contributory pension plan that guarantees ₹3,000 per month from age 60, plus a 50% family pension to the spouse after the subscriber’s death. If you are 18–40, earn up to ₹15,000 monthly, and are not a taxpayer or a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS, you can enroll easily using Aadhaar and a savings/Jan Dhan bank account. The system sets up auto-debit of your contribution every month, and the government contributes an equal amount until you turn 60, with LIC managing pension disbursal for reliability.
E-Shram Card Scheme
| Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) via e-Shram ecosystem |
| Pension | ₹3,000 per month after age 60; 50% family pension to spouse |
| Eligibility | Unorganised workers aged 18–40; monthly income ≤ ₹15,000; not in EPFO/ESIC/NPS; not an income tax payer |
| Contribution | Worker pays ₹55–₹200/month based on entry age; Government contributes equally till 60 |
| Registration Modes | Self-registration on e-Shram portal; assisted at Common Service Centres (CSC) |
| Key Documents | Aadhaar, savings/Jan Dhan bank account, Aadhaar-linked mobile or biometric at CSC |
| Implementers | Ministry of Labour & Employment; LIC as Pension Fund Manager; CSC network support |
| Practical Examples | Age 18: ₹55; Age 30: ₹105; Age 35: ₹150; Age 40: ₹200 (worker share), matched by Government |
E-Shram Card Scheme is the most accessible route for unorganised workers to secure a guaranteed ₹3,000 monthly pension through PM-SYM, backed by government matching and managed by LIC for dependable payouts. Register early, verify eligibility, set up auto-debit, and stay consistent with contributions to unlock lifelong income support and family security at retirement.
What The Scheme Offers
PM-SYM provides a predictable income floor in old age: a minimum ₹3,000 monthly pension starting at 60, routed through direct bank transfer for seamless receipt. The family pension feature ensures 50% of the monthly amount continues to the spouse for life, offering basic security to the household. The structure suits workers without employer-backed PF and is particularly useful in informal occupations where retirement savings are often inconsistent.
How E-Shram Connects To PM-SYM
E-Shram functions as the national database for unorganised workers, streamlining access to social security schemes, including PM-SYM. Once registered on e-Shram, workers can be guided into PM-SYM enrollment with KYC, bank details, and auto-debit setup. This one-stop approach reduces paperwork, enables portability across states, and keeps your profile updated for future benefits and scheme integrations.
Who Can Enroll
You are eligible if you are an unorganised worker aged 18–40 with monthly income up to ₹15,000, not paying income tax, and not covered by EPFO/ESIC/NPS. Typical eligible categories include street vendors, domestic workers, construction labourers, agricultural labour, home-based workers, gig and platform workers, and self-employed workers outside formal social security. You’ll need Aadhaar and a savings/Jan Dhan account; an Aadhaar-linked mobile speeds up OTP-based KYC, though biometric verification at CSCs is available if not.
Contribution You Pay by Age
PM-SYM contributions are age-linked: the younger you join, the lower your monthly contribution, and the Government matches it rupee-for-rupee. Indicative worker contributions are:
- Age 18: ₹55 per month
- Age 25: ₹85 per month
- Age 30: ₹105 per month
- Age 35: ₹150 per month
- Age 40: ₹200 per month
These payments continue until you turn 60, after which contributions stop and pension begins. Starting early minimizes your outflow and maximizes the period of matching support from the Government.
How To Register Now
- Self-Registration:
- Visit the e-Shram portal and choose the registration option.
- Use Aadhaar-linked mobile to receive OTP and complete e-KYC.
- Fill in personal details, occupation, skills, and bank details.
- Proceed to enroll in PM-SYM and enable monthly auto-debit.
- Assisted Registration (CSC):
- Visit the nearest Common Service Centre with Aadhaar and bank passbook/IFSC.
- If your mobile isn’t linked to Aadhaar, use biometric authentication at CSC.
- The operator completes your e-Shram and PM-SYM onboarding and sets up auto-debit.
Documents And Onboarding Steps
Keep ready: Aadhaar card, savings/Jan Dhan bank account details (account number and IFSC), and Aadhaar-linked mobile number. If you lack OTP capability, a CSC can complete biometric KYC. After enrollment, the system sets up monthly auto-debit of your contribution, and you may pay the first installment at the time of registration.
Why Enroll Early
Joining at a younger age lock in the lowest monthly contribution rate for the entire pre-retirement period. It also extends the time the Government co-contributes on your behalf, which, in effect, supports a larger cumulative corpus to back the assured pension. For families, enrolling both spouses can secure a combined ₹6,000 monthly pension from age 60, assuming both meet eligibility and complete their contributions.
Exit, Defaults, And Family Benefits
If the subscriber dies after the pension starts, the spouse receives 50% of the pension as a family pension for life. If the subscriber dies before age 60, the spouse may continue contributions until 60 to receive the pension later, or opt out as per prevailing scheme rules to receive eligible refunds. If contributions are missed, the account can generally be regularized by paying arrears; staying consistent ensures uninterrupted eligibility and avoids administrative hassles.
Service And Governance Framework
The Ministry of Labour & Employment oversees policy and implementation, while LIC acts as the pension fund manager and payout agent. The CSC network provides last-mile support to workers for registration, KYC, corrections, and grievance assistance. The e-Shram database also helps authorities plan and integrate additional social security benefits over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Registering without checking EPFO/ESIC/NPS status; existing members are not eligible.
- Skipping Aadhaar-linked mobile setup; it complicates self-registration and updates.
- Missing contributions; set reminders or maintain sufficient bank balance for auto-debit.
- Assuming e-Shram alone gives the pension; you must actively enroll in PM-SYM to receive ₹3,000 at 60.
Practical Examples
- A 22-year-old domestic worker joins and pays a modest monthly amount for decades while the Government matches every payment; at 60, pension starts automatically.
- A 38-year-old street vendor pays a higher monthly contribution due to later entry but still benefits from matching contributions and assured pension security.
- A couple in informal work both enroll; combined, they aim for ₹6,000 per month in retirement, improving household stability.
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Checklist Before You Start
- Aadhaar updated with mobile and address.
- Savings/Jan Dhan account active with IFSC.
- Know your exact age on the date of joining (sets your monthly contribution).
- Decide on self-registration or CSC assistance.
- Keep occupation and skill details ready for e-Shram profiling.
FAQs on E-Shram Card Scheme
Is E-Shram the Pension Scheme?
No. E-Shram is the national database for unorganised workers and the gateway to welfare schemes; the ₹3,000 pension is provided under PM-SYM after separate enrollment.
Who Is Not Eligible For PM-SYM?
Anyone paying income tax, or already covered by EPFO, ESIC, or NPS, cannot join PM-SYM even if they hold an e-Shram card.
What Documents Do I Need To Enroll Today?
Aadhaar, a savings/Jan Dhan bank account with IFSC, and an Aadhaar-linked mobile for OTP; or visit a CSC to use biometric KYC if OTP is not available.
How Much Will I Pay Monthly At My Age?
At 18 you pay ₹55, at 25 ₹85, at 30 ₹105, at 35 ₹150, and at 40 ₹200 per month; the Government contributes the same amount until you turn 60.
