Direct tax collections up 20% in Apr-Jan this fiscal

New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) Helped by robust economic growth,the government collected Rs 3,17,501 crore from direct taxesduring April-January 2010-11, up 20.37 per cent from theyear-ago perod.

Corporate income tax at Rs 2,16,872 crore was up by 24.78per cent, while personal income tax grew by 11.87 per cent toRs 1,00,191 crore during this ten-month period.

According to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT),direct tax collections were "buoyant".

Tax refunds also increased by 38.65 per cent at Rs 53,688crore.

The Indian economy is projected to grow by 8.6 per centin this financial year.

Agriculture and allied activities are expected to grow at5.4 per cent in 2010-11 compared to just 0.4 per cent in theprevious financial year.

While services such as trade, hotel, transport andcommunications improved to 11 per cent from 9.7 per cent, themanufacturing would grow at 8.8 per cent year on year.