Work demand under India's rural employment program rises in December

Work demand under India's rural employment program, MGNREGS, rose for the second month in December. About 25.8 million people sought work, a 7.4% increase from last year, driven by the return of farm laborers after the Kharif harvest. Previously, work demand had declined from November 2023 to October 2024 due to better job opportunities in the economy. The increase in December reflects a shift as many laborers returned to seek unskilled work after summer crops were harvested. In the first three quarters of this fiscal year, 229.8 million people requested work under MGNREGS. The finance ministry noted that rural consumption remains strong, with sales of vehicles and tractors showing growth.