The Labour Card is an important identity document issued for workers in India’s unorganised sector. It helps labourers receive several government welfare benefits such as insurance, pension, healthcare support, scholarships for children, maternity benefits, and financial assistance.
Through this card, workers can also access different government schemes designed to improve their social and financial security. Once the application is approved, the digital Labour Card can be downloaded from the official labour department portal of the respective state.
In this article, we will explain everything about the Labour Card 2026, including how to apply online, check application status, download the card, eligibility criteria, benefits, and renewal process.
What is a Labour Card?
A Labour Card is an official identification document provided to workers who are employed in the unorganised sector. These workers usually do not receive regular job security or benefits from employers.
The Government of India, along with state labour welfare boards, introduced this system so that such workers can receive social security benefits and government assistance.
Although registration is optional, it is highly recommended because it helps workers access many government welfare schemes easily.
Key Features of Labour Card
Some important features of the Labour Card are listed below:
- It is issued by the State Labour Welfare Board and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- Workers can apply for registration through the state labour department website or the e-Shram portal.
- Children of registered workers can receive Labour Card scholarships ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹25,000 per year.
- The card provides access to benefits such as pension schemes, health support, insurance coverage, and maternity assistance.
Types of Labour Cards
Generally, state governments issue two main types of labour cards depending on the type of work a person does.
1. Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Card
This card is issued to workers who are involved in construction-related jobs.
Examples include:
- Masons
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Painters
- Construction helpers
These workers are registered under the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996.
With this card, they can receive benefits like accident insurance, pension support, healthcare assistance, maternity benefits, and educational help for their children.
2. Social Security Labour Card
This card is meant for workers in other unorganised sectors.
It usually includes workers such as:
- Agricultural labourers
- Domestic workers
- Street vendors
- Fishermen
- Tailors
- Small industry workers
These workers are registered under the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act, 2008.
Benefits under this card may include health insurance schemes like PM-JAY, pension schemes such as PM-SYM, and education scholarships for children.
Who Can Apply for a Labour Card?
The Labour Card is mainly designed for workers in informal or unorganised jobs.
Some common examples include:
- Construction workers
- Migrant labourers
- Street vendors
- Rickshaw pullers
- Agricultural workers
- Daily wage labourers
- Domestic helpers
- Workers in small industries
Labour Card Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Labour Card, applicants must meet certain conditions.
The basic eligibility requirements are:
- Age should be between 18 and 40 years.
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- The person should be working in the unorganised sector.
- The applicant should not be a member of EPF, ESIC, or NPS.
- Monthly income should be less than ₹15,000.
- The person should not be an income taxpayer.
- The applicant must be a resident of the state where they are applying.
Documents Required for Labour Card Registration
Applicants usually need the following documents while applying:
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank account details
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Passport size photograph
- Aadhaar numbers of family members
- Ration card (optional)
How to Apply for Labour Card Online
The application process for a Labour Card is simple and can be completed online. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of your state labour department.
Step 2: Look for the option called “New Labour Card Registration”.
Step 3: Select your district from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: Enter personal details such as your name, mobile number, and email address.
Step 5: Provide your Aadhaar number.
Step 6: Verify your mobile number and email using OTP verification.
Step 7: Finally, submit the application form.
Note: The exact process may vary slightly depending on the state.
How to Check Labour Card Application Status
After applying, workers can check the status of their application online.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official labour department website of your state.
- Find the option “Check Labour Card Status” or “Application Status”.
- Enter your registration number, Aadhaar number, or mobile number.
- Submit the details to see your current application status.
How to Download Labour Card
Once the application is approved, workers can download the digital copy of their Labour Card.
Steps to download:
- Visit the official labour department website.
- Click on “Download Labour Card” or “Print Labour Card”.
- Enter your registration ID, Aadhaar number, or mobile number.
- Verify the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Download the Labour Card PDF and save it for future use.
State-Wise Websites of Labour Departments
Here is the state-wise list of official Labour Department websites across India:
| State | Website Link |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh – Labour Department | https://labour.ap.gov.in/ |
| Arunachal Pradesh – Department of Labour and Employment | http://labour.arunachal.gov.in/ |
| Assam – Labour & Employment Department | https://labour.assam.gov.in/ |
| Bihar – Labour Department | https://state.bihar.gov.in/labour/CitizenHome.html |
| Chhattisgarh – Department of Labour | https://cglabour.nic.in/ |
| Goa – Department of Labour | https://www.goa.gov.in/department/commissioner-labour-and-employment/ |
| Gujarat – Labour & Employment Department | http://www.labour.gujarat.gov.in/ |
| Haryana – Labour Department | http://hrylabour.gov.in/ |
| Himachal Pradesh – Labour & Employment Department | http://himachal.nic.in/employment/ |
| Jammu & Kashmir – Department of Labour and Employment | http://jklabouremp.nic.in/ |
| Jharkhand – Labour and Employment | https://shramadhan.jharkhand.gov.in/home |
| Karnataka – Department of Labour | https://labour.karnataka.gov.in/english |
| Kerala – Labour Commissionerate | http://www.lc.kerala.gov.in/ |
| Madhya Pradesh – Labour Department | http://www.labour.mp.gov.in/Default.aspx |
| Maharashtra – Department of Labour | https://mahakamgar.maharashtra.gov.in/ |
| Manipur – Department of Labour | http://manipur.gov.in/?page_id=1643 |
| Meghalaya – Department of Employment and Craftsmen Training | http://dectmeg.nic.in/ |
| Mizoram – Labour, Employment & Industrial Training Department | https://let.mizoram.gov.in/ |
| Nagaland – Labour & Employment Department | https://labour.nagaland.gov.in/ |
| Odisha – Labour Directorate | http://www.labdirodisha.gov.in/ |
| Punjab – Labour & Employment Department | http://pblabour.gov.in/ |
| Rajasthan – Labour Department | https://labour.rajasthan.gov.in/ |
| Sikkim – Labour Department | https://sikkim.gov.in/departments/labour-department |
| Tamil Nadu – Labour Department | http://www.labour.tn.gov.in/ |
| Tripura – Directorate of Labour | http://labour.tripura.gov.in/ |
| Uttarakhand – Department of Labour | http://labour.uk.gov.in/ |
| Uttar Pradesh – Labour Department | http://uplabour.gov.in/ |
| West Bengal – Labour Welfare Board | http://wblwb.org/html/index.php |
| Chandigarh – Labour Department | http://chandigarh.gov.in/dept_labour.htm |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli – Labour Department | https://www.daman.nic.in/Labour-and-Employment.aspx |
| Diu – Labour and Employment Office | http://diu.gov.in/labour-and-employment-department-diu.php |
| Delhi – Labour Department | http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/doit_labour/Labour/Home/ |
| Lakshadweep – Labour Employment & Training | https://lakshadweep.gov.in/departments/labour-employment-and-training/ |
| Puducherry – Labour Department | https://labour.py.gov.in/ |
Benefits of Labour Card
The Labour Card provides several benefits to registered workers.
Some of the major advantages include:
- Access to various government welfare schemes
- Educational scholarships for workers’ children
- Accident insurance coverage
- Financial assistance for building houses or purchasing tools
- Pension benefits after retirement
- Legal protection against exploitation at work
Labour Card Scholarship for Children
The Labour Card scholarship is a financial assistance program for the children of registered workers.
Its main goal is to help students continue their education without financial stress. Under this scheme, students studying in recognised schools or colleges can receive financial support.
Usually, the family’s annual income must fall within a specific limit (around ₹1–1.5 lakh) to qualify for this benefit.
Labour Card Renewal Process
Labour Cards are generally valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the state rules.
Before the card expires, it must be renewed. If the renewal is not completed on time, workers may stop receiving government benefits linked to the card.
The renewal process may differ from state to state, but it can usually be done online through the labour department portal.
Conclusion
The Labour Card plays an important role in improving the lives of workers in India’s unorganised sector. It helps them receive social security benefits, financial support, and access to government welfare schemes.
Eligible workers should register for the card as soon as possible and make sure to download and renew it on time to continue receiving these benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Labour Card?
A Labour Card is a government-issued identity card that allows workers in the unorganised sector to access welfare schemes and social security benefits.
2. Can a student apply for a Labour Card?
Generally, students cannot apply unless they are actively working in the unorganised sector and meet the eligibility criteria.
3. How can I check the Labour Card balance?
You can check it through the official labour department website or by visiting the nearest labour welfare office.
4. Who is not eligible for a Labour Card?
People who are income taxpayers, government employees, or members of EPF, ESIC, or NPS are not eligible.
5. Who is eligible for the UP Labour Card?
Workers in the unorganised sector living in Uttar Pradesh who meet the income and age requirements can apply.
6. How can I download the Labour Card using Aadhaar number?
Visit the official labour portal, select the download option, enter your Aadhaar number, verify the OTP, and download the PDF card.