Tax mop-up from metros sees double-digit decline; Kolkata worst-hit city

Numbers pose challenges to Centre's Rs 13.2-trn target

Direct tax collections are likely to remain muted in the second consecutive quarter of the current fiscal year with most top Indian cities witnessing double-digit contraction in receipts till August 20.

Kolkata emerged the worst-affected metro city, reporting a drop of 60 per cent in the mop up during April-August 20. It was followed by Chennai and Delhi, which saw decline by 41 per cent and 36 per cent, respectively.

Mumbai was, however, one of the least-affected regions, though collection was down there too. Mumbai, which has the highest share of 34 per cent in overall direct tax collections, witnessed