In an effort at an image makeover, Finance Minister P Chidambaram has asked the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) to focus on the top 100 tax payers and get friendlier with them. At the same time, he hoped that the indirect tax collections target of over Rs 5 lakh crore will be met.

After a meeting with top CBEC officials, he said the tax department has to be firm with evaders for whom, he said, non-compliance is a business.

The Minister said, The top 100 (taxpayers) each in customs, excise and service tax contribute 95 per cent of total tax collection.

The tax administration must be friendly with the business community, he said. The Government has fixed a target of Rs 5.05 lakh crore for indirect tax collections.

There is fear that the slowdown in the manufacturing sector may affect collections. But Chidambaram claimed that Chief Commissioners have assured him the target would be met.