Economic Reforms in India Post 1991 and Its Impact on Unorganised Labour in Bhagalpur District of Bihar

This study explores the impact of India’s 1991 economic reforms on unorganised labour in Bhagalpur, a region known for its traditional industries. It critically examines shifts in employment patterns, working conditions, and the socio-economic challenges faced by informal workers in the post-reform period. The research highlights issues such as job insecurity, wage disparity, and lack of social protection. Structural vulnerabilities within Bhagalpur’s economy are analyzed to understand their effect on labour resilience. Based on field insights, the study offers policy-oriented recommendations aimed at promoting inclusive growth, strengthening social protection, and improving livelihoods in the unorganised sector. Keywords: Economic reforms, unorganised labour, Bhagalpur, informal economy, employment patterns, social protection, inclusive growth.