SB Order No. 14/2022

F. No. FS- 13/7/2020-FS
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
(FS Division)

Dak Bhawan, New Delhi -110001
Dated: 30.08.2022

To,
All Head of Circles / Regions

Subject: – Regarding introduction of the online account opening and closure through DOP Internet Banking for Public Provident Fund (PPF) Accounts.

Madam / Sir,

In line with providing more digital transaction facilities to POSB customers, the undersigned is directed to say that online account opening and closure for Public Provident Fund (PPF) have been introduced in DOP Internet Banking. Now DOP Internet Banking users can open and close their PPF account online. For more details kindly read FAQ available at link https://ebanking.indiapost.gov.in

2. The option for opening and closing of Public Provident Fund (PPF) account is available under the ‘General Services’ tab of DOP Internet Banking. Internet Banking user should follow the below prescribed procedure for opening and closure of PPF account:

(a) Procedure for opening of PPF Account:
➢ Login into DOP Internet Banking
➢ ‘General Services’
➢ ‘Service Requests’
➢ ‘New Requests’
➢ PPF Accounts – Open a PPF Account
➢ Deposit Amount (Enter Amount for which PPF account is to be opened minimum ₹500 or above in multiple of ₹ 50 upto ₹ 1,50,000/-
➢ Debit Account (Select linked PO Saving Account)
➢ Click on ‘Click Here’ to read terms and conditions and accept terms and conditions
➢ Submit online
➢ Enter Transaction Password
➢ Submit.
➢ View/Download Deposit Receipt.

Note: – (i) Log in again to view the details of PPF Account opened under ‘Accounts’.
(ii) PPF Account will be opened in the name of DOP Internet Banking user and nominee will be same as registered in linked PO Savings Account.

(b) Procedure for Closure of PPF Account:
➢ Login into DOP Internet Banking
➢ ‘General Services’
➢ ‘Service Requests’
➢ ‘New Requests’
➢ Closure of PPF Accounts
➢ Deposit Account (Select PPF Account to be closed)
➢ Credit Account (Select linked PO Saving Account)
➢ Submit online
➢ Enter Transaction Password
➢ Submit.
➢ View/Download Closure Receipt.

Note: – (i) Logout and login again to view the details of PPF Account closed.
(ii) Only matured account can be closed under this option.
(iii) As premature closure is allowed under specific conditions, for premature closure kindly submit account closure form, passbook and relevant documents at Post Office concerned.

3. It is requested to circulate these instructions to all post offices for information and guidance. Adequate promotion of this functionality is to be given for the benefit of POSB customers.
4. Hindi version of this SB order will be issued in due course.
5. This issues with the approval of the competent authority.

Yours Sincerely,
(Devendra Sharma)
Asst. Director (SB-II)

Download introduction of the online account opening and closure through DOP Internet Banking for Public Provident Fund (PPF) Accounts PDF

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S.B. Order 27/2020

e.F.No. FS-13-01/2020-FS
Government of India
Ministry of Communication
Department of Posts
(FS Division)

Dak Bhawan,
New Delhi-1 10001

Dated :- 23/07/2020

To,

All Head of Circles/Regions,

Subject:- Regarding extension of MIS/ SCSS/KVP/ NSC/ PPF schemes up to GDS Branch Post Office level through cheque.

Sir/Madam,

The references have been received in this office from time to time to provide MIS/ SCSS/ NSC/ KVP/ PPF schemes in GDS Branch Post Offices. The matter has been examined in detail in the light of Rule 3 (a) of “Government Savings Promotion General Rules-2018” and the competent authority has accordingly decided to allow account opening for MIS/ SCSS/ KVP/ NSC/ PPF schemes in GDS Branch Post Offices.

Also read:  Rates of small savings schemes

2. However, the process for necessary modification in RICT CBS application/ Finacle may take time. So, in order to facilitate rural customers to open account under these schemes at the GDS Branch Post Offices, the following guidelines are issued for further necessary action, till the provisions are made available in DARPAN (RICT) CBS Application/ Finacle.

• Opening of MIS/ SCSS/ NSC/ KVP/ PPF account of any amount subject to minimum/maximum limit, if any under each scheme and subsequent deposit in PPF account can be done at GDS Branch Post Offices through Cheque only (POSB Cheque/ Bank Cheque).
• The process defined for acceptance of cheque and account opening through cheque in GDS Branch Post Offices vide SB Order 22/2020 dated 18.06.2020 should be followed.
• For opening of MIS/SCSS account in GDS Branch Post Office, the monthly/quarterly interest will be paid through respective customer’s PO Savings Account only. Likewise, in case of loan/withdrawal in PPF account, the same will be paid through respective customer’s PO Savings Account only.
• Respective account office will ensure the eligibility conditions/ applicable limit of the schemes.
• In case, form 15G/15H is submitted by SCSS depositor at GDS Branch Post Office, the GDS Branch Post Office will send the same to respective account office duly entered in BO Journal and BO Daily account on the same day.
• Account Office will ensure updation of Form 15G/15H on the day of receipt in Finacle

3. It is requested to circulate these amendments to all concerned (including GDS Branch Post Offices) for information and guidance and necessary action.

Also check: Central Government Post Office Savings Account Scheme 2019

4. This issues with the approval of Competent Authority.

(Devendra Sharma)
Assistant Director (SB)

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PPF Scheme 2019

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 12th December, 2019

G.S.R. 915(E).- In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3A of the Government Savings Promotion Act, 1873 (5 of 1873), the Central Government hereby makes the following Scheme, namely:-

1. Short title and commencement.-

(1) This Scheme may be called the Public Provident Fund Scheme, 2019.

(2) It shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

2. Definitions.-

(1) In this Scheme, unless the context otherwise requires,-

(a) “account” means an account under this scheme;

(b) “account holder” means an individual in whose name the account is held;

(c) “Act” means the Government Savings Promotion Act, 1873 (5 of 1873);

(d) “Form” means forms appended to this Scheme;

(e) “General Rules” means the Government Savings Promotion General Rules, 2018;

(f) “year” means the financial year.

(2) Words and expressions used herein but not defined shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act and in the General Rules.

3. Limits of number of accounts.-

(1) An individual may open an account by making an application in Form-1.

(2) An individual may also open one account on behalf of each minor or a person of unsound mind of whom he is the guardian:

Provided that only one account shall be opened in the name of a minor or a person of unsound mind by any of the guardian.

(3) Joint account shall not be opened under this Scheme.

4. Limits of subscription.-

(1) A deposit which shall not be less than five hundred rupees and not more than one lakh fifty thousand rupees in multiple of fifty rupees may be made in an account in a year.

(2) Maximum limit of one lakh fifty thousand rupees as specified in sub-paragraph (1) by an individual shall be inclusive of the deposits made in his own account and in the account opened on behalf of the minor.

5. Manner of making deposit.-

(1) The account shall be opened with a minimum initial deposit of five hundred rupees and thereafter deposit of any sum in multiples of fifty rupees shall be made.

(2) The deposit in the account subject to the limits mentioned in paragraph 4 may be made in the account in one lump sum or in instalments.

6. Discontinuation of account.-

(1) Any account in which the account holder, having deposited five hundred rupees in the initial year, fails to deposit the minimum amount in the following years, shall be treated as discontinued.

(2) An account treated as discontinued under sub-paragraph (1), may be revived during its maturity period on payment of a fee of fifty rupees along with arrears of minimum deposit of five hundred rupees for each year of default:

Provided that the balance in a discontinued account not revived by the account holder before its maturity shall continue to earn interest at the rate applicable to the Scheme from time to time.

(3) The account holder of a discontinued account shall not be eligible to open a new account before closure of such discontinued account after maturity:
Provided that the facility of loan and partial withdrawal shall not be allowed in such an account and the account holder shall be prohibited from opening another account in his name under this Scheme till final closure of such account.

(4) Facility of loan and partial withdrawal shall be allowed to regular accounts only as per the provisions of this Scheme.

(5) The total deposit in a year as specified in paragraph 4, shall be inclusive of deposits made in respect of years of default of the preceding years but excluding the default fee.

7. Interest.-

(1) Interest at 7.9 per cent. per annum shall be eligible for a calendar month on the lowest balance at the credit of an account between the close of the fifth day and the end of the month.

(2) Interest shall be credited to the account at the end of each year.

(3) Interest shall be credited at the end of the year irrespective of the change of the account office due to transfer of the account during the year.

8. Loans.-

(1) At any time after the expiry of one year from the end of the year in which the initial subscription was made but before expiry of five years from the end of the year in which the initial subscription was made, the account holder may, apply in Form-2, to the accounts office for obtaining a loan consisting of a sum of whole rupees not exceeding twenty-five per cent. of the amount that stood to his credit at the end of the second year immediately preceding the year in which the loan is applied for.

(2) In case of an account opened on behalf of a minor or a person of unsound mind, the guardian may apply for the loan for the benefit of the minor or the person of unsound mind by submitting the following certificate to the accounts office, namely:-

“Certified that the amount sought to be withdrawn is required for the use and welfare of Shri/ Smt./ Master/ Kumari ……. who is a minor/ a person of unsound mind/ a person incapable of operating his account due to physical infirmity and is alive on this ……. the day of ……. (month), ……….(year).”

(3) An account holder shall not be entitled to get a fresh loan so long as earlier loan has not been repaid in full together with interest thereon.

(4) An account holder shall be entitled for only one loan in a year.

9. Repayment of loan and interest.-

(1) The principal amount of a loan shall be repaid by the account holder before the expiry of thirty-six months from the first day of the month following the month in which the loan is sanctioned:

Provided that the repayment may be made either in one lump sum or in instalments.

(2) After the principal amount of the loan is fully repaid, the account holder shall pay interest thereon in not more than two monthly instalments at the rate of one per cent. per annum of the principal for the period commencing from the first day of the month following the month in which the loan is drawn upto the last day of the month in which the last instalment of the loan is repaid:

Provided that where the loan is not repaid, or is repaid only in part, within a period of thirty-six months, interest on the amount of loan outstanding shall be charged at six per cent. per annum instead of at one per cent. per annum with effect from the first day of the month following the month in which the loan was obtained, to the last day of the month in which the loan is finally repaid.

32 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II -SEC. 3(i)]

(3) The interest on the amount of loan outstanding under the proviso to sub-paragraph (2) and any portion of interest payable, but not paid, on any loan, the principal amount of which has already been repaid within the period of thirty-six months, may, on becoming due, be debited to the holder’s account.

(4) The interest recoverable shall accrue to the Central Government.

(5) The interest on outstanding loans which are not paid before the expiry of thirty-six months or paid partly shall be debited to the holder’s account at the end of each year.

(6) In case of death of the account holder, the nominee or legal heir shall be liable to pay interest on the loan availed by the account holder but not repaid before his death. Such amount of due interest shall be adjusted at the time of final closure of the account.

10. Withdrawal from account.-

(1) Any time after the expiry of five years from the end of the year in which the account was opened, the account holder may, avail withdrawal by applying in Form-2, from the balance to his credit, an amount not exceeding fifty per cent. of the amount that stood to his credit at the end of the fourth year immediately preceding the year of withdrawal or at the end of the preceding year, whichever is lower:

Provided that the amount of loan outstanding, if any, along with interest shall be paid by the account holder before availing the facility of withdrawal under this paragraph:

Provided further that the facility of withdrawal may be availed only once in a year only from the accounts which have not become discontinued.

(2) In case of an account opened on behalf of a minor, or a person of unsound mind, the guardian may apply for the withdrawal for the benefit of the minor or a person of unsound mind by submitting the following certificate to the accounts office, namely:-

“Certified that the amount sought to be withdrawn is required for the use and welfare of Shri/Smt./Master/ Kumari……………………………. who is a minor/ a person of unsound mind/ a person incapable of operating his account due to physical infirmity and is alive on this……the day of…………..(month), ……….(year).”.

11. Closure of account or continuation of account without deposits after maturity.-

(1) Any time after the expiry of fifteen years from the end of the year in which the account was opened, the account holder may apply in Form-3 to the accounts office for the closure of his account. The accounts office shall allow the withdrawal of the entire balance along with due interest up to the last day of the month preceding the month in which the account is closed.

(2) The account holder may retain his account after maturity without making any further deposits for any period and the balance in the account will continue to earn interest at the rate applicable to the Scheme:

Provided that the account holder may make one withdrawal, in each year, of any amount within the balance.

(3) Once the account is continued without deposits for more than a year, the account holder shall not have the option again to continue the account with deposits.

12. Extension of account with deposits after maturity.-

(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph 11, the account holder on the expiry of fifteen years from the end of the year in which the account was opened, may extend his account and continue to make deposit under paragraph 4 for a further block period of five years by applying to the accounts office in Form-4.

(2) The option of extension of account under sub-paragraph (1) shall be made by the account holder before expiry of one year from the maturity of the account:

Provided that an account opened on behalf of a minor or a person of unsound mind may be extended at the request of the guardian.

(3) No deposits can be made in the account, if the account holder fails to give his option to continue the account within one year from the date of maturity. Any deposit made in such account shall be treated as irregular and refunded by the accounts office immediately without any interest:

Provided that the balance in the account on the date of maturity shall continue to earn interest upto the end of the month preceeding the month of closure.

(4) Facility of partial withdrawal under paragraph 10 of the Scheme shall be available to the account extended under sub-paragraph (1), subject to the condition that the total withdrawal during the block period of five years shall not exceed sixty per cent. of the balance at credit at the commencement of the block period:

Provided that the withdrawal, subject to the ceiling as specified above may be made either in a single or in yearly instalments.

(5) Provisions of sub-paragraphs (1) to (4) shall also apply on accounts after maturity on expiry of the each extended block period of five years.

(6) If the account is continued with deposits for one or more five block periods, the account holder may leave the account without deposits on completion of any block period and the account shall continue to earn interest till it is closed and the account holder may make one withdrawal every year from the account.

(7) An account holder who has given his option for the extension of the account for a period of five years shall not have the option to withdraw his request at a later stage.

13. Premature closure of account.-

(1) An account holder shall be allowed premature closure of his account or the account of a minor or person of unsound mind of whom is the guardian on an application to the accounts office in Form-5, on any of the following grounds, namely:-

(a) treatment of life threatening disease of the account holder, his spouse or dependent children or parents, on production of supporting documents and medical reports confirming such disease from treating medical authority;

(b) higher education of the account holder, or dependent children on production of documents and fee bills in confirmation of admission in a recognised institute of higher education in India or abroad;

(c) on change in residency status of the account holder on production of copy of Passport and visa or Income- tax return:

Provided that an account under this Scheme shall not be closed before the expiry of five years from the end of the year in which the account was opened:

Provided further that on such premature closure, interest in the account shall be allowed at a rate which shall be lower by one per cent. than the rate at which interest has been credited in the account from time to time since the date of opening of the account, or the date of extension of the account, as the case may be.

14. Closure of account on death of the account holder.-

(1) In the event of the death of the account holder, the account shall be closed and the nominee or the legal heir shall not be allowed to continue the account.

(2) The balance in the account of the deceased account holder shall earn interest till the end of the month preceeding the month in which the eligible balance is paid to the nominee or the legal heir, as the case may be.

15. Protection of credit balance from attachment.–

Amount standing to the credit of any account holder shall not be liable to attachment under any order or decree of any court in respect of any debt or liability incurred by the account holder.

16. Application of General Rules.-

Provisions of the General Rules shall, so far as may be, apply in relation to the matters for which no provisions have been made in this Scheme.

17. Power to relax.-

Where the Central Government is satisfied that the operation of any of the provisions of this Scheme causes undue hardship to an account holder, it may, by order for reasons to be recorded in writing, relax the requirements of that provision or provisions in a manner not inconsistent with the provisions of the Act.

[F. No. 2/2/2018-NS (Pt. I)]
RAJAT KUMAR MISHRA, Jt. Secy

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Interest rates on these post office saving schemes move in line with the government’s interest rates on small savings schemes.India Post or Department of Posts, which runs the postal network of the country, offers a number of saving schemes with income tax benefits. Using these saving schemes, investor can claim a deduction up to Rs. 1.5 lakh in a financial year from taxable income under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Interest rates on these post office saving schemes move in line with the government’s interest rates on small savings schemes, which are revised on a quarterly basis.

Here are post office saving schemes that offer tax benefits:

Post Office Time Deposit (TD) or Fixed Deposit (FD) account

In a post office fixed deposit (FD), one can deposit a lump sum of money for a specific period and avail of features like guaranteed returns and choice of interest payout. Post office time deposit (TD) or Fixed Deposit (FD) account offers interest rates across four maturities: one year, two years, three years, and five years, noted India Post on it’s official website- indiapost.gov.in. The investment under 5 years fixed deposit qualifies for the benefit of Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, mentioned India Post.

Post Office Public Provident Fund (PPF) account

Post office Public Provident Fund (PPF) account offers an investment avenue with decent returns coupled with income tax benefits. For the quarter ending December, PPF accounts fetch an interest rate of 8 per cent per annum. Interests on deposits are compounded on an annual basis, which means that it is added to the principal amount every year, noted India Post. PPF comes under the exempt, exempt, exempt (EEE) category of tax status. This means that returns, maturity amount and interest income are exempt from income tax. Deposits qualify for deduction from income under Section 80C of Income Tax Act.

Post Office Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) account

Post Office Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) serves as an investment avenue and helps in generating wealth for a successful retirement life. SCSS earns an interest rate of 8.7 per cent per annum, which is payable from the date of deposit on March 31/ September 30/December 31 in the first instance and thereafter, interest are payable on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. Tax Deducted At Source (TDS) is deducted at source on interest if the interest amount is more than Rs. 10,000 per annum. Investment under this scheme qualifies for the benefit of Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 from April 1, 2007.

Post office National Savings Certificates (NSCs)

Post Office National savings certificates (NSCs) fetch an interest rate of 8 per cent per annum. This interest is compounded annually but payable at maturity. An NSC of Rs. 100 will offer Rs. 146.93 on maturity after five years. NSCs have a lock-in period of five years. Deposits in the National Savings Certificate qualify for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Source: NDTV

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The government has increased the rate of interest for General Provident Fund (GPF) and other related schemes by 0.4 percentage points to 8 per cent for the October-December quarter.

The rate is in line with that for Public Provident Fund.

The interest rate on GPF was 7.6 per cent for the July-September quarter of 2018-19.

“… during the year 2018-2019, accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the General Provident Fund and other similar funds shall carry interest at the rate of 8 per cent with effect from October 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018,” a Department of Economic Affairs’ notification said.

The interest rate would apply on Provident Funds of central government employees, railways and defence forces.

Last month, the government announced that the interest on small savings, including NSC and PPF, will be hiked by up to 0.4 percentage point for the October-December quarter, to align it with rising deposit rates in the banks.

PTI

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Public Provident Fund (PPF) account

09 MAR 2018

At present, premature closure of a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account is permitted on specified grounds on completion of five financial years from the date of opening of account. Opening of accounts in the name of a minor is permitted under all the
small savings scheme except the Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme.

There are some ambiguities due to multiple Acts and rules for small savings schemes and the same are as under:

i. Certain provisions are not uniform in the existing three Acts.

ii. Some provisions have become redundant with time, which have been proposed to be deleted, with a view to simplify and
avoid confusion.

iii. Some provisions are not clearly defined in existing Acts, leading to legal issues.

The Government proposed to merge Government Savings Certificates Act, 1959 and Public Provident Fund Act, 1968 with the Government Savings Banks Act, 1873. The main objective of the common act is to bring uniformity in the provisions of
different small savings schemes presently governed by the three Acts.
The grievances relating to small savings are addressed by the banks and Department of Posts. Some grievances are also handled by Ministry of Finance.

This was stated by Shri P. Radhakrishnan, Minister of State for Finance in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

PIB

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No.CAIU/011(44)2016/Aadhar/10273

Date: 22 SEP 2017

To
All ACCs (Zones) including ACC (ASD),
All RPFC-I/ RPFC 11 (Regional Offices),
Sub: Aadhaar linking and interoperability of General Provident Fund (GPF), Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) -regarding.

Sir,
Please find enclosed herewith a letter No.D-11011/36/2016-DBT (Cab.) dated 29.08.2017 received from Assistant Director, Cabinet Secretariat, DBT Mission forwarding therewith record of discussions of the meeting held under the Chairmanship of Joint Secretary, DBT Mission on 25.08.2017, wherein it has been directed that all the Departments should ensure 100% of Aadhaar seeding by December 31,2017.

2. It is requested to implement the instructions issued by the Cabinet Secretariat, DBT Mission, New Delhi for seeding of Aadhaar by December 31, 2017.
[This issues with the approval of ACC-II (CAIU)].

Yours faithfully,
Encl: As above
(A.K. Mandal)

Authority: www.efpindia.com

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With effect from 7th March 2017, Government has simplified and liberalised the conditions for taking advance from the fund by the subscribers for education, illness, purchase of consumer durables. Conditions and procedures for withdrawal from the fund for the purpose of education, illness, housing, purchase of motor vehicles etc. have also been liberalised. No documentary proof is required to be submitted now for advance and withdrawal applications. A simple declaration by the subscriber is sufficient. A time limit for sanction and payment of advance/withdrawal has also been fixed.

There is no proposal under consideration of Government to increase/link the rate of interest on GPF at parity with that of EPF. The interest rates on EPF are decided on the recommendations of the Central Board of Trustee (EPF) taking into account the yearly income from the investment made by EPFO. The GPF interest rate is presently fixed at par with that of PPF interest rate.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to question by Dr. Sunil Baliram Gaikwad, Kunwar Haribansh Singh, Shri T. Radhakrishnan, Shri Gajanan Kirtikar and Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato in the Lok Sabha today.

PIB

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7th Pay Commission Pay Out – Best Tax Saving Investment Options – The increased pay packet by the 7th pay commission will come with its own set of concerns on managing the money.

The 7th Pay Commission payout is all set to begin with central government employees to get higher salaries and arrear payments soon.

The increased pay packet by the 7th pay commission will come with its own set of concerns on managing the money. While there will be a portion for expenditure that has been pending, you need to have a definite plan of setting aside a decent amount as long-term savings and invest it in appropriate instruments. One portion of investment would be for tax-saving purposes.

You will have nearly eight months till March 31, 2017 to make your investment for tax-saving purposes but it is always good to start investing early. So, what are the options before you and what should you look for while investing for saving tax?

“There are a large variety of tax-saving options available under Section 80C of the Income-Tax Act. However, the key issues are the safety, returns and tax status while investing. You also have to consider the periodic returns and at the time of maturity or redemption,” Sanjeev Govila, CEO, Hum Fauji Initiative, told FeMoney.

Govila suggests Public Provident Fund (PPF) figures among the top of the list. “PPF is the best tax- saving avenue for the risk averse as it gives decent interest of 8.1 per cent as on date and enjoys the E-E-E (Exempt ExemptExempt) status. If someone finds the returns low and are prepared to accept some volatility of returns, tax saving mutual funds (called ELSS – Equity Linked Savings Scheme) are very good. They also have E-E-E status. If chosen carefully ELSS are likely to provide higher returns than PPF,” Govila said.

Though ELSS have the shortest lock-in period of all tax-saving investments of just three years, you can continue investing for as long as you want. Also contributions can be made regularly through automatic ECS from bank account. Govila, however, warns that ELSS returns are market linked.

“Apart from these, five year tax-saving bank FDs, insurance policies and NSC also are 80C investments. But low returns take their sheen off. NSC are E-E-E provided the interest received is shown re-invested in the I-T Returns each year (except the last year when it matures) and bank FDs are in the E-T-T bracket,” says Govila.

FeMoney spoke to leading personal finance advisor, Anil Rego, CEO and Founder, Rights Horizons to bring to you snapshot of the most-favoured tax-savings options under Section 80C as a ready reckoner.

Equity-linked Savings Scheme – Has lock-in of 3 years; can be invested up to be a maximum of Rs.1.5 lakhs under 80C and others.

Public Provident Fund – Has lock-in of 7 years, investments are eligible for tax exemption u/s 80C.

Sukanya Samridhi Scheme (If the investor has a girl child) – Investments can be withdrawn only after girl turns 21 or 50 per cent of the corpus when girl turns 18 or gets married.

National savings certificates – NSC-VIII has a lock in period for 5 years and NSC-IX has lock in for 10 years. There is no maximum limit of investment in NSC, but you can claim a tax deduction for Rs 1.5 lakhs under section 80C.

Tax free bonds – These bonds are not eligible for deduction under section 80C. It means that the interest earned on tax-free bonds is exempted from taxation. However, the bonds are subject to capital gains tax. Usually these bonds have a lock in period of 5 years.

Insurance policies – Though these can be used for tax savings under Section 80C, Rego advises that the principal aim of insurance should be to cover life risk rather than as an investment instrument.

Source: FE

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In a move that will hit the common man, the government today slashed interest rates payable on small savings including PPF and Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) in a bid to align them closer to market rates.

As a part of its February 16 decision to revise interest rates on small savings every quarter, the interest rate on Public Provident Fund (PPF) scheme will be cut to 8.1 per cent for the period April 1 to June 30, from 8.7 per cent, at present.

Similarly, the interest rate on KVP will be cut to 7.8 per cent from 8.7 per cent, according to Finance Ministry Order F.No.1/04/2016-NS.II, issued today.

While the interest rate on Post Office savings has been retained at 4 per cent, the same for term deposits of one to five years has been cut. The popular five-Year National Savings Certificates will earn an interest rate of 8.1 per cent from April 1 as against 8.5 per cent, at present.

A five-year Monthly Income Account will fetch 7.8 per cent as opposed to 8.4 per cent now. Girl-child saving scheme, Sukanya Samriddhi Account will see interest rate of 8.6 per cent as against 9.2 per cent.

Senior citizen savings scheme of five-year would earn 8.6 per cent interest compared with 9.3 per cent.

“On the basis of the decisions of the government, interest rates for small savings schemes are to be notified on quarterly basis,” the order said announcing the rates for the first quarter of fiscal 2016-17.

Post Office term deposits of one, two and three years command an interest rate of 8.4 per cent but from April 1, a 1-year Time Deposit will get 7.1 per cent, 2-year Time Deposit will earn 7.2 per cent and 3-Year Time Deposit will attract interest of 7.4 per cent.

Five-year time deposit will fetch 7.9 per cent interest in the first quarter as against 8.5 per cent while the same on five-year recurring deposit has been slashed to 7.4 per cent from 8.4 per cent.

The government had on February 16 announced moving small saving interest rates closer to market rates. On that day, rates on short-term post office deposits was cut by 0.25 per cent but long-term instruments such as MIS, PPF, senior citizen and girl child schemes were left untouched.

Post office savings of 1, 2 and 3 year term deposits, Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) as well as 5-year Recurring Deposits till now earned 0.25 per cent higher interest than the government securities of similar tenures.

This advantage has been withdrawn with effect from April 1, 2016, the Finance Ministry said. On February 16, the government had left Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Senior Citizen Savings Scheme and the Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) — which command 0.75 per cent, 1 per cent and 0.25 per cent higher interest rate respectively than G-secs — untouched, saying they are linked to social security goals.

Similarly, long-term instruments such as 5-year term deposit and similar tenure National Saving Certificates as well as Public Provident Fund (PPF) had been left unchanged. But today, the interest rates on all these deposits have been cut.

Kisan Vikas Patra or KVP that currently provides for doubling of principal in 100 months (8 years and 4 months) will now be doubled in 110 months (9 years and 2 months) after the interest rate revision.

In February, the government had stated that the cut in small savings interest rate would help the economy move to “a lower overall interest rate regime eventually and thereby help all, particularly low-income and salaried classes”.

The government has also permitted premature closure of PPF accounts “in genuine cases”, like serious ailment or higher education of children.

“This shall be permitted with a penalty of 1 per cent reduction in interest payable on the whole deposit and only for the accounts having completed five years from the date of opening,” it added.

The interest rate for every quarter would be decided on the 15th of the preceding month.

So, for the April-June quarter, rates should have been set on March 15 but they were delayed. The rates for April-June quarter are based on G-Sec rates that prevailed in the previous three months — that is December, January and February.

PTI

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