<h1>Indirect Tax Collections Surge 35.9% in 2015; Customs Duties Adjusted for Domestic Growth and Agricultural Protection.</h1> The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, reported significant achievements in fiscal 2015, notably a 35.9% increase in indirect tax collections from April to October compared to the previous year. Key initiatives included reducing customs duties on certain inputs to promote domestic manufacturing, enhancing ease of doing business through 24x7 customs clearance, and introducing digital signatures. Measures to protect domestic agriculture involved increasing customs duties on sugar and edible oils. Taxpayer services were enhanced with the establishment of a Directorate of Tax Payer Services and improvements in e-governance. Legislative steps focused on simplifying tax laws and curbing black money.