1956 to enable adoption of internationally accepted best practices, has been

introduced in the Parliament.

Tax Effort

�� Comprehensive reforms of tax system both direct and the indirect tax system have

enabled the tax administration to enhance its functional efficiency and provide

better tax payer services leading to increased compliance. Rates of Union Excise

Duties and Service Tax rationalized for eventual shift to the Goods and Service

Tax on 1st April, 2010.

�� 109 marine vessels sanctioned for the Customs Department to prevent movements

of contraband goods across the country’s sea borders.

Administrative Reforms

�� The enactment of the Right to Information Act at the Centre and in many States

ushering in greater accountability of the public servants.

�� Recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission approved by the

Government has benefited over 45 lakh Central Government employees including

Defence Forces and Para-Military forces and over 38 lakh pensioners.

REVISED ESTIMATES

�� The total expenditure at Rs.7,50,884 crore in B.E. 2008-09 revised to Rs.9,00,953