Ultra-Safe Savings Schemes of the Central Government
Ultra-Safe Savings Schemes of the Central Government
In times like Covid-19 crisis, when financial markets and their future looks uncertain, we look for safe ways to keep our money. In such pursuit, we tend to trade the growth of money for the safety of our hard-earned money. And when everything in the world is uncertain in its period and its outcome, the safety of capital must be the only criteria to choose scheme or instruments of investment or deposit.
In keeping with these principles, finbingo.com has brought together vital features of various small savings schemes of the Government which are ultra-safe to keep your money. These schemes are re-launched in December 2019, with certain small modifications through different notifications. All these schemes are good to deposit funds earmarked for certain non-negotiable responsibilities like children’s education, sustenance in emergencies, or family exigencies if any. After all, having some money in such safe schemes gives you a mental peace in uncertain times.
Small Savings Schemes – Vital Features**
Scheme | Rate of Interest | Maturity Period (Years) | Investment Permissible (INR) | Investment Permissible (INR) | Tax Deduction on Deposits | Interest income taxed? | Maturity Value of INR 1 lakh |
| | | Minimum | Maximum | | | |
Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme # | 8.4 | 21 | 250 | 1,50,000 | Yes | Not taxed | 5,91,203## |
Public Provident Fund | 7.1 | 15 | 500 | 1,50,000 | Yes | Not taxed | 2,90,701*** |
Kisan Vikas Patra | 7.6 | 9.5 | 1,000 | Unlimited | No | Taxable. Senior citizens can claim deduction till Rs. 50000/- | 2,00,000 |
Senior Citizen Saving Scheme@ | 8.6 | 5 | 1,000 | 15,00,000 | Yes | Taxable. Senior citizens can claim deduction till Rs. 50000/- | 1,43,000 |
NSC VIII Issue | 7.9 | 5 | 1,000 | Unlimited | Yes | Taxable. Senior citizens can claim deduction till Rs. 50000/- | 1,46,254 |
Post Office Saving Scheme | 4% | No definite period | 500 | Unlimited | No | Taxable. Senior citizens can claim deduction till Rs. 50000/- | NA |
National Savings (Monthly Income Account) Scheme | 7.6% | 5 | 1,000 | 4,50,000 or 9,00,000 in Joint Account | No | Taxable. Senior citizens can claim deduction till Rs. 50000/- | 1,38,000 |
National Savings Time Deposit Scheme | 6.9% (7.7% for 5 yrs) | 1 to 5 | 1,000 | Unlimited | No | Taxable. Senior citizens can claim deduction till Rs. 50000/- | 1,39,626 |
National Savings Recurring Deposit Scheme | 7.2% | 5 | 100 | Unlimited | No | Taxable. Senior citizens can claim deduction till Rs. 50000/- | 1,20,516 |
**Since, safety of the deposits is the only criteria, one should choose the scheme as per his convenience of earmarked use and not the growth prospects. Therefore, finbingo.com has not rated these schemes for recommendations.
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