The unemployment rate in India reached a four-month high of nearly 8% in April as localised lockdowns imposed in many states have impacted over 7 million jobs compared to March, reports India Today, citing data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy. According to the Centre, the situation could get worse if the Covid-19 situation does not come under control by May. India’s unemployment rate in March stood at 6.5%. The Centre added that the unemployment outlook remains weak due to restrictions imposed to contain the unprecedented rise in Covid-19 cases. Mahesh Vyas, Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy managing director, said the jump in the unemployment rate is directly related to the localised lockdowns imposed by many states. Experts and trade bodies say that a nationwide lockdown is urgently needed to break the chain of infections, but the government is worried that it could severely impact the economy.