Patna: More than 1.16 lakh gig and platform workers have registered in Bihar, highlighting the growing role of mobile applications and digital platforms in the state’s employment landscape.
According to data from the Labour Resources and Migrant Workers Welfare Department portal, a total of 1,16,376 gig and platform workers had registered as of September 1, 2026.
Patna recorded the highest number of registrations at 8,473, followed by West Champaran with 6,074 and East Champaran with 5,879.
The expansion of app-based work is creating an alternative to conventional employment, particularly in sectors such as food delivery, grocery delivery, cab and bike services and logistics.
Patna Leads Gig Worker Registrations
Patna has the highest number of registered gig workers in the state, with 8,473 registrations, followed by West Champaran, East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Gaya. Vaishali recorded 3,328 registrations, while Nawada had 3,254, Samastipur 3,250 and Bhagalpur 2,914. Kaimur recorded 1,783 registrations, followed by Buxar with 1,748, Munger with 1,481 and Jehanabad with 1,142.
Registration In Bihar Does Not Always Mean Work In The State
The registration figures need to be viewed in the context of Bihar’s migration patterns.
A worker registered with a Bihar address does not necessarily work within the state. Many young people from Bihar migrate to employment centres such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Gurugram, where they may work through digital platforms.
The registration data therefore indicates the number of workers connected to Bihar through the department’s portal, but their actual place of work can be outside the state.
Food Delivery, Grocery And Cab Services Among Key Jobs
Gig work allows people to provide services through digital platforms instead of being permanent employees of a single organisation.
Food and grocery delivery, cab and bike rides, logistics, package delivery and other platform-based services are among the major forms of gig work.
Food delivery platforms connect delivery partners with restaurants and customers, while quick-commerce services offer opportunities related to grocery and everyday-item deliveries and store-based work.
Cab and ride services also provide opportunities for eligible vehicle owners to work as driver partners, subject to platform and local requirements.
Mobile-Based Onboarding
Joining a gig platform is increasingly a mobile-based process.
Workers generally begin by submitting basic details such as their name, mobile number and city, followed by downloading the relevant application and completing document verification and onboarding.
For driving-related work, documents such as a driving licence, vehicle registration and insurance may be required. Some platforms may also provide information about weekly payments, insurance coverage and flexible working hours.
However, the specific requirements, payment arrangements and benefits can vary depending on the platform and city.
A New Employment Route For Workers
The registration of more than 1.16 lakh gig and platform workers points to the growing importance of app-based work in Bihar’s labour market.
While the model offers flexibility and access to work through digital platforms, the registration figures also underline the need to understand the employment conditions and support systems available to workers operating in this expanding sector.
