<h1>India's 2016-17 Budget to Boost Growth, Employment, and Manufacturing; GST to Streamline Tax Compliance and Encourage Investment.</h1> The forthcoming Union Budget 2016-17 in India aims to promote growth, employment, and support domestic manufacturers, with a focus on the Make in India initiative. The government expects to meet its tax collection target of Rs. 14.4 lakh crore for 2015-16, despite a shortfall in direct taxes due to lower corporate earnings. Indirect tax collections have increased, driven by higher excise duties. The government plans to phase out tax exemptions to address inequities and reduce litigation by increasing appeal thresholds. The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is expected to streamline tax compliance and encourage investment.