Work demand under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) fell for the 12th straight month in October 2024, down 9.2% year-on-year, due to strong economic growth and more lucrative job opportunities. Approximately 19.89 million people sought work through MGNREGS, though there was a slight increase in demand month-on-month compared to September. Rural economic conditions are improving, evidenced by rising sales of consumer goods and agricultural equipment, while the IMF forecasts India to remain the fastest-growing major economy with a 7% growth rate this financial year.