Knowledge of E-Shram card among the rural population of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: In India, little thought has been given to how social security programs are used by rural people. Since the people reside in villages, it is possible that they are unaware of these programs and do not fully take advantage of them. E-Shram portal is the first-ever national database of unorganized workers. With registration, workers would get a Universal Account Number card or e-Shram card that allows access to benefits under social security schemes. Hence, the study aimed to assess the knowledge about e-Shram card in Pyalakurthy village. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was carried out among the rural population of Pyalakurthy and 109 members participated in the study. The data were collected using convenient sampling method between April and May 2022. The data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire through Google Forms, were administered to them by interview method, and were analyzed using Epi-Analysis. Results: A total of 109 participated in the study with a mean age of 42.6 ± 14.7 years, 64 (58.7%) males and 45 (41.3%) females. Nearly three-fourth belonged to Class IV and V socioeconomic status. Only 15% had knowledge about e-Shram card. There was a significant association between knowledge about e-Shram card and education, socioeconomic status, migrants, and smartphone availability. Conclusion: Most of the rural population had poor knowledge about e-Shram card. Creating awareness and doorstep registration services may help them be aware and avail of its benefits.