Savings in Govt Schemes and Bonds
Many individuals believe that the return of government schemes is not as high as the private saving schemes provide, but, it's not true. Government schemes offers a high return on investment with less risk or almost 0% risk.
Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)
Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) SGB is an investment scheme by the RBI on behalf of the Indian government launched in 2015 under the Gold Monetization Scheme. The Government securities denominated in gold grams are known as SGBs. They aren't meant to be used in place of genuine gold. In the scheme, the issuance price is paid in cash, and the bonds must be redeemed in cash at maturity. In the scheme, all the things such as interest rate, terms and conditions, maturity, and all are decided by the RBI with the consultation of the Government of India. Under the scheme, the interest paid is 2.5% PA and the interest amount is credited to the subscriber's account after 6 months. On the issue of the bonds an SGB certificate. You can lend money by mortgaging the SGB certificate. Please note that the interest on the Bonds will be taxable under the Income Tax Act of 1961. The capital gains tax on SGB redemptions to individuals has been eliminated. Long-term capital gains deriving from the transfer of a bond will be eligible for indexation advantages. In 2022, the SGB will be issued in January from 10-14. Bonds will be issued on 18 January. Interest 2.5% PA that will be paid every 6 months.
National Pension Scheme (NPS)
The Central Government's National Pension System provides a secure source of income after retirement. It was launched in 2004, however, at that time only government employees were included in the scheme. In 2009, the government of India opened it for all including self-employed and private sector salaried employees. As of now, employees in the public and private sectors, both organized and unorganized, are eligible to participate in the scheme. The scheme is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority. Under the scheme, the subscriber will get 10-15% interest on their investment. Indian nationals between the ages of 18 and 60 are eligible to subscribe to the scheme. Employers will also contribute an equivalent amount from the employee's monthly income (including government employees). The interest is in in the NPS is market-linked. Equity, government bond, corporate bond, AIF (real estate). Subscriber can get tax benefit under this scheme under section 80CCD(1), 80CCD1 (B), and if the subscriber receives contributions from the employer as well, tax deduction under section 80 CCD (2) of Income Tax Act may be claimed by the subscriber in addition to the tax benefits available under Sec. 80 CCE under the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961.
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)
The POMIS works in a similar way to a traditional savings account. However, it is more like FD but with a monthly income. Individual account holders can invest in the plan for a minimum of INR 1,000 and a maximum of INR 4.5 lakh. The account holder will get a monthly fixed income in the form of interest deposited to his or her savings account at the same post office. The current rate of interest offered under the scheme is 6.6% per annum payable monthly. Interest shall be payable on completion of a month from the date of opening and so on till maturity. The initiative is exclusively accessible to Indian people who live in India. In the event of joint account holders, two or three people can invest up to Rs.9 lakh in the plan collectively. There are no tax deductions or exemptions available for the investments and interest earned.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
The PPF Scheme is a long-term investment option with a 7.1% interest rate, which allows the subscriber to get high returns on investment. The investment under the PPF scheme is risk-free as well as tax-free. It is one of the government's long-running financial products. Basically, this scheme was launched for those who don't come under the government pension scheme or those who work in the unorganized sector, or those who don't come under EPF. This scheme allows individuals to plan their retirement and build a fund for their retirement. PPF account can be opened with a minimum deposit amount of INR 500 and maximum of INR 1,50 lakh in a Financial Year. The account can be extended for a block of 5 years after maturity. On the PPF, the loan facility is also available from the 3rd financial year up to the 6th financial year. The interest and returns earned are not taxable under the Income Tax Act. Deposit qualifies for deduction under Sec.80C and the Interest Rate of 7.1% is also fully exempt in the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. After 15 years, the account matures, the account can be extended for any number for a block of 5 years with further deposits. The account can be retained indefinitely without further deposit after maturity with the prevailing rate of interest. It is a good long-term investment for 15 years.
National Savings Certificate (NSC)
The NSC is a fixed-income investment scheme that can be opened at any nearest post office in India. It is scheme is a low-risk fixed-income instrument. It's a tax-advantaged savings bond that encourages clients to invest while saving money on taxes. Similar to the PPFs and Post Office FDs. It may be bought in your name, for a minor, or as a joint account with another adult at a local post office. The deposit will mature five years after it was made. A Minimum INR 1000 and in multiple of INR 100, no maximum limit. The scheme allows the subscriber to open multiple accounts. The purchase of NSCs has no upper limit, however, only investments of up to INR 1.5 lakh are eligible for a tax deduction under Section 80C of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. The certificates pay a fixed rate of 6.8% each year. On a semi-annual basis, the government modifies the interest rate.