The government today retained the broad rate structure for all indirect taxes, which will dent its kitty under this head by 16.11 per cent this fiscal compared to projections a year ago.

The government's collection from indirect taxes is pegged at Rs 2.69 lakh crore for this fiscal, a way down from the Rs 3.21 lakh crore Budget Estimate for 2008-09.

This is despite the fact that the net of service tax has been expanded, excise duty on some goods like LPG, nylon and yarn raised from 4 per cent to 8 per cent and customs duty imposed on set-top boxes which would give an additional Rs 2,000 crore.

The government realised a low indirect tax revenue at around Rs 2.81 lakh crore in 2008-09 against budget estimates of Rs 3.21 lakh crore.