Indirect tax collections jump 5.1% in Apr-Sept

Indirect tax collections jump 5.1% in Apr-SeptTotal collection of indirect taxes - excise, customs and service tax - increased by more than 5 per cent year-on-year in the six months ended September 30 this year, fresh figures released by the finance ministry showed.

According to the recently released official figures, total collection of indirect taxes increased 5.1 per cent to nearly Rs 228,550 crore during April to September quarter of current financial year.

Total collection of customs duty jumped 10 per cent to Rs 80,550 crore during quarter under review; while collection of service tax increased 16 per cent to Rs 59,000 crore.

However, excise collection slipped 6 per cent to more than Rs 89,000 crore during the period. The decline in excise duty collection reflects decline in the country's manufacturing activity.

In the month of September, total collection of indirect taxes was recorded at Rs 42,700 crore, up 13 per cent from the corresponding month of last year.

The Congress-led UPA Government aims to collect Rs 5.65 lakh crore in indirect tax collection during the current financial year, nearly one lakh crore more than last financial year.