New Delhi, April 2 -- A revival in rural consumption demand in 2024 brought hopes of better economic activity. However, a pick-up in demand for rural jobs under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Scheme (MGNREGS) has raised questions about the sustainability of rural revival. A forecast of hotter-than-usual summer and double heatwave days in 2025 further complicates the matter.

As the Indian economy is estimated to slow down to 6.5% in 2024-25, economists have banked on one factor to give a fillip to growth: rural India. However, rising job demand under the MGNREGS is sending distressed signals. Job demand rose to the highest in seven months in January. While it moderated slightly in February and March, it is still above 20 mil...