E Shram Card Pension Yojana: The E-Shram Card Pension Scheme run by the Central Government is an important welfare initiative for the workers of the unorganized sector. Through this scheme, workers aged sixty years or above are provided a pension of three thousand rupees per month. This amount is sent directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer System. The main objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to those workers who become unable to work due to physical weakness in old age and who do not have any fixed means of income.
Eligibility and prerequisites of the scheme
To avail the benefits of this scheme, the applicant must fulfill some prescribed criteria. The first condition is that the applicant must be a citizen of India and must be a resident of a predominantly rural area. The applicant’s regular monthly income should be fifteen thousand rupees or less. The most important thing is that the applicant must be at least sixty years old. Apart from this, the applicant should work in the unorganized sector and should not have any other stable source of income. These eligibility criteria have been set so that the benefits of the scheme can reach the really needy and economically weaker sections of the people.
Premium Structure and Financial Contribution
This scheme is a contributory pension system in which the beneficiary has to pay a fixed premium. The premium amount is decided based on the age and income of the worker which generally ranges from fifty-five rupees to two hundred rupees per month. This premium amount is much less than the pension that is received later. The premium rate and benefits are kept the same for both male and female workers which ensures gender equality. After depositing the premium, the verification process starts and then the pension is paid regularly.
Required documents and certification
Some important documents are required to apply. These mainly include valid identity card like Aadhar card or voter ID card, bank account passbook, income certificate, residence certificate and caste certificate if applicable. Apart from this, recent passport size photo and active mobile number are also required. All these documents have to be uploaded during online application. The document verification process ensures that the benefits of the scheme are given only to those workers who are actually entitled to it.
Application process and digital facility
The application process in e-Shram Card Pension Scheme is completely digital. The applicant has to first visit the official website of e-Shram. Self registration has to be selected by clicking on the application option available on the homepage. After this, the pension scheme form has to be filled carefully and all the required documents have to be uploaded. After submitting the form, an acknowledgement receipt is received which should be kept safe. After completion of the process, information about the status of registration is received through mobile or email in a few days.
Wider benefits and social impact of the scheme
This scheme has many far-reaching benefits which are important not only at the individual level but also at the social level. The regular income of three thousand rupees per month fulfills the daily needs of the elderly workers such as food, medicines and other basic needs. This prevents them from being financially dependent on their families and their self-esteem remains intact. The regularity of the scheme increases their confidence and they can live a respectable life in the society. This scheme provides a strong basis for economic security in old age for workers in the unorganized sector.
Disclaimer : This article has been prepared for general information purpose. Before applying for e-Shram Card Pension Scheme, verify the latest guidelines, eligibility criteria and premium rates from the official website of the Ministry of Labor and Employment. In case of changes in the terms of the scheme from time to time, only the government notification will be valid.
