Table of Contents
Government schemes for unorganised workers in India (2026)
Quick answer: 30 crore Indian unorganised workers (UoW) — domestic workers, gig workers, street vendors, agri labourers, construction workers, fishermen — have 20+ central schemes. e-Shram registration is the gateway (free UAN + Rs 2L PMSBY insurance auto). Pension via PMSYM (Rs 3,000/month after 60). Insurance via PMJJBY (Rs 2L life @ Rs 436/yr) + PMSBY (Rs 2L accident @ Rs 20/yr). Welfare boards state-specific.
Who is eligible
Unorganised worker (not in EPFO/ESIC). Age 16-59 (PMSYM). All Indian citizens.
Top 10 schemes
1. e-Shram Registration
Free UAN + e-Shram card. Aadhaar OTP. Auto-enrolled in PMSBY (Rs 2L insurance).
- Where to apply: eshram.gov.in
- Official portal: https://eshram.gov.in
2. PM Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PMSYM)
Pension Rs 3,000/month after 60. Contribute Rs 55-200/month (age-based). Govt matches. Open at CSC.
- Where to apply: PMSYM portal
- Official portal: https://maandhan.in/shramyogi
3. PM Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
Rs 2L accident insurance + Rs 1L permanent disability. Premium Rs 20/year (auto from bank). Auto for e-Shram registrants first year.
- Where to apply: Banks / Post Office
- Official portal: https://jansuraksha.gov.in
4. PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
Rs 2L life insurance (any cause). Premium Rs 436/year (auto from bank). Age 18-50 entry; covers up to 55.
- Where to apply: Banks / Post Office
- Official portal: https://jansuraksha.gov.in
5. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
Pension Rs 1K-5K/month after 60. Auto-debit from bank. Govt 50% co-contribution till 2020. Age 18-40 entry.
- Where to apply: Banks / NPS Lite
- Official portal: https://www.npscra.nsdl.co.in/scheme-details.php
6. Building & Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Board
State-level scheme — health, education, marriage, pension, accident relief for registered construction workers. Rs 50/month subscription.
- Where to apply: State BOCW Welfare Board
- Official portal: https://bocw.gov.in
7. Fisher Welfare Schemes
Pension, accident insurance, training, savings — via state Fisheries Dept + central NFDB.
- Where to apply: NFDB Hyderabad
- Official portal: https://nfdb.gov.in
8. Domestic Workers Welfare
State-level boards (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra) — pension, insurance, dispute resolution.
- Where to apply: State Labour Dept
- Official portal: Varies by state
9. Street Vendors Act 2014 (PM SVANidhi loan)
Loan Rs 10K-50K for street vendors with credit history. 7% interest subvention. Apply at banks.
- Where to apply: PM SVANidhi portal
- Official portal: https://pmsvanidhi.mohua.gov.in
10. %%eShram%%-PMJAY Convergence
e-Shram registrants in target categories auto-considered for PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat).
- Where to apply: beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Official portal: https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in
How to apply (general process)
e-Shram first (free, OTP-based). Then enroll in PMSBY/PMJJBY/PMSYM via bank or CSC. State welfare boards via Labour Dept.
Helplines
- e-Shram Helpline 14434 — multilingual
- State Labour Department — varies
- PM SVANidhi: 1800-1800-991
Common issues + how to handle
- PMSBY claim denied — within 30 days of accident; family applies via UAN holder bank.
- PMSYM enrolment rejected — IT taxpayer or EPFO contributor. Verify before applying.
- State BOCW slow — file RTI to State Welfare Board CEO; many states have 1-3 year backlogs.
- Bank Aadhaar de-linked — DBT for all schemes bounces. Visit bank for NPCI mapper.
If a scheme is delayed or rejected — file an RTI
Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:
1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date. 2. Name + designation of dealing officer assigned to my file. 3. Reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline. 4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days. 5. Likely date of disbursement / decision.
Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →
Frequently asked questions
e-Shram & PF — both possible?
No — e-Shram is for UoW only. PF holders are organised. If PF inactive (no contribution > 3 years), can register.
PMSYM contribution — really get Rs 3,000 pension?
Yes — guaranteed by govt. Rs 3,000/month after 60. Indexation not yet applied; review periodic.
PMSBY first year free for e-Shram. Year 2?
Rs 20/year auto-debit from bank. Renewal in May annually.
Construction worker — BOCW slow. Alternative?
Try BOCW + PMSBY + PMSYM combination. Many states have UID-linked direct welfare.
Scheme stuck > 90 days. Fix?
File RTI to scheme nodal. Use RTI Playbook template for unorganised welfare.
Summary + what to do next
Bottom line: 10 central + state schemes available. Aadhaar + bank account in own name + community/income certificate (if applicable) is the gateway. If a scheme is delayed beyond timeline, file an RTI.
- Browse all 10 audience hubs: All audience hubs
- How to apply step-by-step: 25 application guides
- Track applications: 25 status-check guides
- If stuck — RTI Drafter: File RTI in 5 minutes
- Talk to other citizens: AwaazRTI community
Related reading
Sources
- Each scheme's official portal (linked above).
- Ministry budget documents + scheme operational guidelines.
- Citizen feedback via AwaazRTI (composite, identifying details removed).
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.