Demand for work under India's MGNREGS program decreased by 28.4% in December compared to the previous year, reaching a five-month high sequentially. This decline is attributed to increased economic activity offering better-paying jobs. The government recently introduced the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) law to replace MGNREGA, aiming to bolster rural jobs and infrastructure. While the new law is notified, implementation rules are pending, and the opposition has criticized it as regressive.