Chandrashekhar Mandal saw daily wage workers standing in labour chowks braving rain, heat, uncertainty all while entire job markets globally moved online. Inspired by those scenes (including his own family’s struggles in Bihar), he founded Digital Labour Chowk in 2020. Its mission: digitise blue-collar hiring so workers can find steady jobs without waiting on street corners.

Over three years, Mandal’s platform has helped over one lakh workers get regular income, with 500-1000 job posts daily. Jobs primarily in construction masons, painters, carpenters are posted by contractors who specify location, wage, duration, and amenities like food or accommodation. Workers, in turn, list their skills, experience, and minimum pay. The platform is free for workers; contractors get limited free connections, then move to subscription.

To build trust and reach, Mandal’s team registered “business associates” among mobile shop owners and grocery stores in labour chowks to help with registrations. They set up kiosks, distributed cold drinks or chai during campaigns, and worked with builders’ associations to onboard employers.

Looking ahead, Digital Labour Chowk plans to issue digital labour identity cards and offer training or upskilling, helping workers gain visibility, respect, and more stable livelihoods. The startup, recognised by Startup India and regional innovation programmes, is redesigning how informal sector labour is organised in India.