The budget would provide a fillip to the agricultural and integrated logistics industry as the minister has announced a tax holiday.

We have been pampering the manufacturing industry to date at the cost of the service and agricultural industry, but the move of tax holiday to the infrastructure sector will give these sectors a rightful place in the economy.

The labour reforms suggested by the FM is a very brave decision and needs tremendous courage. The budget is good to our industry, as it continues to enjoy a 10-year tax holiday.

R R Joshi, director, Modular Infotech Ltd:

The net reduction in taxation and the removal of surcharges are welcome moves, and the announcement of Education loans of Rs 7.5 lakhs for higher technical education in India and Rs 15 lakh for
studies abroad will help the bright and needy students from the country.

The government's decision to tax domestic sale of products from the export oriented units of the Software Technology Parks will have a negative impact on the software industry.

The government's announcement of raising the interest limit for housing loans in taxation will help young software professionals to buy their own houses and settle down in life.

P P Chhabria, chairman, Finolex group of industries:

This is a growth-oriented budget. The growth will come from the agricultural and infrastructure sectors, where the government has increased incentives through tax holidays.

Its focus on core infrastructure, on roads, highways, ports, airports, etc, will help to increase the number of projects coming up, and the investment in these projects.

The reduction of dividend tax from 20 to 10 per cent and tax exemption on capital gains reinvested into equity will boost the equity market.

Simplification of the tax structure, customs, excise and other departments will send the right signals.