Demand for work under MGNREGS eased in November after a five-month surge, indicating a slowdown in unskilled labor demand possibly due to increased industrial activity. This dip might alleviate pressure on additional budget allocation after exhausting the FY24 ₹60,000 crore outlay. November saw a 6.6% drop in individuals (20.98 million) and a 4.5% decline in households (17.7 million) seeking work compared to last year. Sequentially, both individuals and households seeking work decreased by 4.2% and 3.6%, respectively, from October levels.
