This is a confidence-boosting measure and comes as a pleasant surprise. We had expected the issue to be covered in the recent federal budget.

The fresh hike could be a pre-emptive measure but we are surprised as we expect inflation to ease marginally in the coming weeks.

I am happy that fiscal reforms are on track. There is an impetus on social infrastructure and attention paid to key sectors like automobiles, textiles and consumer goods.

I am happy fiscal reforms are on track. There is an impetus on social infrastructure and attention paid to key sectors like automobiles, textiles and consumer goods.

It's a big relief to see the economy back on track after weaker figures in December. The key sectors show growth which should be sustained going forward.

This budget marks a path of fiscal consolidation ... which marks a long-term positive for economic growth and equity markets.