India, the world’s second-most populous nation, employs nearly 500 million labourers and contractual workers across key sectors like agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and services. To safeguard the rights and welfare of this massive workforce, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, along with respective state labour departments, issues Labour Cards — a powerful tool that provides identity, protection, and access to multiple government benefits.
What is a Labour Card?
A Labour Card is an official identity document issued by a state labour department to workers in the unorganised sector.
It acts as proof of occupation and eligibility, enabling workers and their families to receive government-backed benefits related to healthcare, education, insurance, financial aid, and skill development.
Types of Labour Cards in India
Labour cards fall into two primary categories:
1️⃣ Building Labour Card
- Issued to workers engaged under licensed contractors.
- Offers maximum scheme coverage, including welfare and social benefits.
2️⃣ Social Labour Card
- For workers involved in agriculture, farming, and non-construction occupations.
- Focuses mainly on health insurance and basic welfare schemes.
State-Wise Official Labour Department Portals
Use these official portals to apply online or check updates:
- Andhra Pradesh: Labour Department
- Arunachal Pradesh: Department of Labour and Employment
- Assam: Labour & Employment Department
- Bihar: Labour Department
- Chhattisgarh: Department of Labour
- Goa: Department of Labour
- Gujarat: Labour & Employment Department
- Haryana: Labour Department
- Himachal Pradesh: Labour & Employment Department
- Jammu & Kashmir: Department of Labour and Employment
- Jharkhand: Labour and Employment
- Karnataka: Department of Labour
- Kerala: Labour Commissionerate
- Madhya Pradesh: Labour Department
- Maharashtra: Department of Labour
- Manipur: Department of Labour
- Meghalaya: Department of Employment and Craftsmen Training
- Mizoram: Labour, Employment & Industrial Training Department
- Nagaland: Labour & Employment Department
- Odisha: Labour Directorate
- Punjab: Labour & Employment Department
- Rajasthan: Labour Department
- Sikkim: Labour Department
- Tamil Nadu: Labour Department
- Tripura: Directorate of Labour
- Uttarakhand: Department of Labour
- Uttar Pradesh: Labour Department
- West Bengal: Labour Welfare Board
- Chandigarh: Labour Department
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli: Labour Department
- Diu: Labour and Employment Office
- Delhi: Labour Department
- Lakshadweep: Department of Labour & Employment & Training
- Puducherry: Labour Department
Eligibility Criteria for Labour Card (2025)
You can apply if you:
✔️ Are 18 to 40 years old
✔️ Work in the unorganised sector
✔️ Are an Indian citizen
✔️ Are not a member of EPFO / NPS / ESIC
✔️ Earn less than ₹15,000 per month
✔️ Are not an income taxpayer
✔️ Reside in the state where you apply
Documents Required
To register, keep the following ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card (optional)
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Bank account number
- Aadhaar details of family members
- Passport-size photographs
How to Apply for a Labour Card Online
- Visit your state’s Labour Department website
- Click “New Labour Card Registration”
- Select your District
- Fill in your personal details
- Enter your Aadhaar number
- Verify mobile number & email
- Submit the application form
How to Download the Labour Card
🚫 Currently not available online.
Visit your nearest Labour Department office to collect your printed Labour Card.
Benefits of a Labour Card
Holders receive a wide range of government welfare benefits such as:
- Free education and life insurance
- Health coverage under Ayushman Bharat, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, etc.
- Maternity support for women
- Financial aid for accidents, injuries, and death
- Scholarships for children
- Subsidies for equipment purchase
- Access to home loans
- Skill development programs
- Financial assistance for daughter’s marriage
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for a labour card?
Any worker who has completed at least 90 days of labour in a year and can submit proof.
Is a labour card the same as an NREGA job card?
❌ No. They are different documents with different purposes.
Can the labour card be applied online?
✔️ Yes — via the respective state labour department portal.
Does the labour card need renewal?
✔️ Yes, renewal is required once it expires.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only. We are not associated with any government department or authority. Scheme rules, eligibility criteria, benefits, and processes may change from time to time. Applicants should verify all details and complete registration only through the official E-Shram portal or authorised government sources before applying.