RBI policy outcome: Lower repo rate, neutral stance and enhanced collateral-free farm loan

In a significant policy shift, the six-member monetary policy committee, headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, lowered the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25 per cent in a 4-2 vote. It is the first rate cut in 17 months. The MPC also changed the policy stance to 'neutral' from 'calibrated tightening'. This was the first monetary policy review for the former economic affairs secretary, who took over as RBI Governor in the second week of December 2018. Why did the new RBI chief hit the neutral gear? Swaminathan Aiyar, Consulting Editor, The Economic Times, explains.