Service tax mop-up to beat estimates

Revenue collections from service tax is expected to touch Rs 1,00,000 crore by 2007-08 and Rs 50,000 crore in 2006-07, as compared with the targeted figure of Rs 40,000 crore, according to an estimate by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

"The service sector has grown rapidly in the last two years and the trend will not only continue but also yield high revenue collections for the government," Assocham President Anil K Agarwal said.

In 2003-04, revenue from service tax stood at Rs 7,750 crore, almost doubling to Rs 14,150 crore in 2004-05.