Chandrashekhar Mandal, a 29-year-old from Darbhanga, Bihar, saw the daily struggles of blue-collar workers firsthand—first in his hometown and later while passing labour chowks in Delhi. Inspired by their hardships, he launched Digital Labour Chowk, an online platform connecting daily wage workers with construction jobs. The idea became even more urgent during the COVID-19 lockdown, when migrant workers faced immense hardships returning home.

Chandrashekhar spent months studying labour chowks across Bihar, Noida, and Delhi to understand the workers’ challenges. The platform allows contractors to post job details—location, wages, number of days, and amenities—while workers create profiles with skills and wage expectations. Workers can directly connect with employers, eliminating the uncertainty of waiting on the streets.

Over the past three years, more than one lakh workers have benefited from regular income through Digital Labour Chowk. Many jobs last over 21 days, ensuring steady employment. The platform also plans digital labour cards and upskilling courses to improve visibility and credibility for workers. Recognised by Startup Bihar, Startup India, and Citibank, Chandrashekhar aims to transform India’s informal workforce, giving dignity, identity, and opportunity to those who need it most.