The Indian government has always taken steps to provide financial assistance and social security to workers engaged in unorganized sectors. Millions of daily wage workers, construction workers, and other laborers in India earn their livelihood through hard physical work but often do not have access to healthcare, insurance, pension, housing, or education support. To improve their living conditions, the government has introduced the Free Labour Card Scheme 2025.
This scheme allows laborers to register themselves under the Labour Department and get a Labour Card (Shramik Card) free of cost. With this card, workers become eligible for multiple government welfare schemes, financial aid, and other benefits.
In this article, you will learn what is a Labour Card, its objectives, eligibility criteria, required documents, benefits, and the complete step-by-step process of applying online and offline in 2025.’
What is a Labour Card?
A Labour Card (Shramik Card or Mazdoor Card) is an official identity card issued by the government to workers in unorganized and construction sectors.
It acts as a proof of employment and allows workers to get registered under Labour Welfare Boards.
Key Features of a Labour Card:
- Provides identity proof to laborers.
- Allows access to government welfare schemes.
- Ensures workers get minimum wages and job security.
- Helps in tracking the number of workers in different industries.
- Provides benefits like insurance, healthcare, pension, housing, and scholarships.
Objective of the Free Labour Card Scheme 2025
The primary objectives of the Free Labour Card Scheme 2025 are:
- Provide Social Security – To ensure that workers are protected through health, pension, and accident insurance.
- Financial Assistance – To give monetary support for housing, education, marriage, and other essential needs.
- Skill Development – To help laborers gain training for better job opportunities.
- Prevent Exploitation – To protect workers from being underpaid and ensure they receive fair wages.
- Government Benefits Access – To link laborers with welfare schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana, and Maternity Benefits.
Eligibility for Free Labour Card Scheme 2025
Not every person can apply for this scheme. The applicant must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Age should be between 18 to 60 years.
- Applicant must be a worker in the unorganized sector such as:
- Construction workers
- Daily wage laborers
- Rickshaw pullers
- Street vendors
- Agricultural workers
- Factory and industrial laborers
- Domestic workers
- The applicant should not be an income taxpayer.
- The applicant must not be a government employee.
Documents Required for Labour Card Application
To apply for a Labour Card under this scheme, you will need the following documents:
- Aadhar Card (for identity verification)
- Ration Card / Voter ID (for residence proof)
- Bank Passbook (for financial transactions)
- Passport-size Photographs
- Age Proof (Birth certificate, 10th class certificate, or any valid ID)
- Employment Proof (If available – wage slip, employer certificate, etc.)
- Mobile Number (for OTP verification and updates)
Application Process (Online) – Step by Step
Here’s the process to apply online for the Free Labour Card Scheme 2025:
Step 1: Visit the Official Labour Department Portal
- Go to your state’s Labour Department official website.
- Some states also allow registration through the e-SHRAM Portal (https://eshram.gov.in).
Step 2: Register with Basic Details
- Click on Labour Card Registration / Shramik Registration.
- Enter your Aadhar number, mobile number, and other basic details.
- An OTP will be sent to your mobile for verification.
Step 3: Fill Application Form
- Provide details like:
- Name, age, gender
- Address and district
- Type of work/profession
- Income details
- Bank account details
Step 4: Upload Documents
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents like Aadhaar, bank passbook, and photos.
Step 5: Submit and Download Acknowledgement
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit the form.
- You will get a registration number which can be used to track the status of your application.
How to Apply Offline?
Workers who cannot apply online can also register offline.
Step 1: Visit Nearest Labour Office
- Go to your District Labour Office / Labour Welfare Board office.
Step 2: Collect Application Form
- Ask for the Labour Card application form.
Step 3: Fill the Form and Attach Documents
- Fill in all personal details.
- Attach self-attested photocopies of required documents.
Step 4: Submit the Form
- Submit the completed form at the office.
- Collect the acknowledgement slip.
Step 5: Verification and Approval
- Labour officers will verify your application.
- After approval, the Labour Card will be issued.
Benefits You Receive with Labour Card
Once you get the Labour Card (Shramik Card), you become eligible for multiple benefits:
1. Insurance Benefits
- Free health insurance under Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
- Accident insurance coverage up to ₹2 lakh.
2. Pension Benefits
- Pension under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM).
- Workers above 60 years get monthly pension.
3. Education Benefits
- Scholarships for children of workers.
- Financial aid for higher education.
4. Maternity Benefits
- Women workers get financial aid during pregnancy.
5. Housing Benefits
- Assistance under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
- Subsidy for construction of houses.
6. Marriage Assistance
- Financial help for daughter’s marriage.
7. Skill Development Programs
- Free training for upgrading skills and increasing job opportunities.
8. Other Benefits
- Free food and ration in emergencies.
- Relief funds in case of accidents, death, or natural disasters.
Important Points About Free Labour Card Scheme 2025
- Registration is completely free.
- No middleman or agent is required.
- Both online and offline methods are available.
- Workers must renew their Labour Card every 1–3 years (depending on state rules).
- Benefits vary from state to state, so always check your state labour department website.
FAQs – Free Labour Card Scheme 2025
1. What is the age limit for Labour Card registration?
👉 Minimum age is 18 years and maximum is 60 years.
2. Is there any fee to apply for the Labour Card?
👉 No, the application is free of cost under this scheme.
3. Can government employees apply for this scheme?
👉 No, only unorganized sector workers are eligible.
4. How long does it take to get a Labour Card after applying?
👉 Usually 15–30 days after verification.
5. Can I apply both online and offline?
👉 Yes, both online and offline modes are available.
6. Do I need a bank account for this scheme?
👉 Yes, because benefits are directly transferred to your bank account.
7. What benefits will I get after registration?
👉 You will receive insurance, pension, scholarships, housing, and financial assistance.
8. Is Aadhaar card mandatory?
👉 Yes, Aadhaar is mandatory for verification.
Conclusion
The Free Labour Card Scheme 2025 is a great step by the government to uplift workers in the unorganized sector. It ensures that the most vulnerable section of society gets access to healthcare, education, insurance, housing, and financial aid.
If you are a daily wage worker, construction worker, street vendor, or belong to any other unorganized job sector, you should apply today for your free Labour Card either online through the official portal or offline at the labour office.
This card will not only secure your future but also provide support to your family’s education, health, and livelihood.
