New Delhi, May 20 -- Demand for unskilled work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) surged in April and May, indicating renewed economic strain in rural India and fragile livelihoods.

According to the latest data from the ministry of rural development, 20.12 million rural households sought employment under the scheme in April, rising slightly to 20.37 million in May (as of 18 May). This follows a dip to 18.64 million in March.

MGNREGS, the central government's flagship scheme providing a rural safety net, guarantees up to 100 days of unskilled manual labour to any adult member of a rural household who seeks employment.

Historically, demand for work under the scheme rises when farm or non-farm jo...