Indian Post Office Saving Schemes

Government Schemes

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indian post office saving schemes

Post office saving schemes in India offer a secure and reliable way to grow your savings while enjoying attractive interest rates and tax benefits. These schemes, managed by India Post, cater to various financial goals, whether you’re looking for short-term savings, regular income, or long-term investment options. From the versatile Post Office Savings Account to the high-yield Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, there’s a scheme for everyone, including senior citizens and parents planning for their child’s future. Explore the diverse range of post office saving schemes to find the perfect fit for your financial needs and secure your future with confidence.

SchemeMinimum DepositInterest RateTenure/Lock-in PeriodAdditional Details
Post Office Savings Account (SB)₹5004% per annumNone
5-Year Post Office Recurring Deposit (RD)₹100 per month5.8% per annum (compounded quarterly)5 years
Post Office Time Deposit (TD)₹1,0006.9% to 7.7% per annum1, 2, 3, and 5 years
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS)₹1,0007.4% per annum (payable monthly)5 years
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)₹1,0008.2% per annum (payable quarterly)5 yearsEligibility: 60 years and above
Public Provident Fund (PPF)₹500 per year7.1% per annum (compounded annually)15 years
National Savings Certificate (NSC)₹1,0007.7% per annum (compounded annually)5 years
Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP)₹1,0007.5% per annum (compounded annually)115 months
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)₹250 per year8% per annum (compounded annually)Until the girl child turns 21Eligibility: Girl child below 10 years of age
Indian Post Office Saving Schemes

Website : India Post – Post Office Saving Schemes

    CGTMSE Scheme Empowering Indian MSME

    Government Schemes

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    CGTMSE Scheme Empowering Indian MSME

    The Indian industrial landscape is tightly woven by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. These MSMEs prove to be a crucial part of the nation’s industrial ecosystem as they significantly contribute to the employment, innovation and economic growth of the nation. As an MSME business owner, it becomes challenging to arrange for funds to meet the credit and financial requirements of the business. Considering these entrepreneurial hurdles, be it for the aspiring entrepreneurs or the established MSMEs, Government of India introduces various schemes and grants to provide financial assistance to the MSMEs. One such scheme is Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), wherein the government offers credit guarantees to the financial institutions providing loans to MSEs- Micro and Small Enterprises.

    Inception of CGTMSE

    The CGTMSE scheme was launched by the Government of India in the year 2000. The scheme was set up under The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) and Small Industrial Development Bank of India (SIDBI). It is defined as a credit guarantee program designed to facilitate collateral-free loans to MSMEs by providing the much-needed safety net to the lending parties. Through the scheme there will be less burden to fulfil the collateral requirements which often acts as a limiting factor for the entrepreneurs. This is faced especially by those from the under-privileged backgrounds or someone with limited resources to start or continue their entrepreneurial journey.

    The Need of CGTMSE

    The birth of the CGTMSE scheme was crucial as the MSMEs are the driving force that elevates the nation’s economic growth and is responsible for widely generating employment opportunities. This scheme was introduced to bridge the gap of offering collateral to the formal credit channels to avail credit. The aim of the scheme is to empower the MSMEs to unleash their full potential and drive the growth of the economy multi-fold.

    How does the CGTMSE scheme work?

    The working of the scheme is straightforward yet impactful. Under this program, the Trust provides a credit guarantee to lending institutions, covering a substantial portion of the loan amount extended to eligible MSMEs. This guarantee serves as a risk-sharing mechanism, mitigating the lenders’ apprehensions and encouraging them to extend credit facilities to MSMEs without the need for traditional collateral. In simpler terms, the government offers a guarantee without the need of any third-party guarantor to back the applicant’s loan. The scheme’s primary objective remains to create a credit relief system such that it promotes improved and smooth credit flow among the MSMEs sector.

    The scheme covers loans up to ₹5 crores extended by participating lending institutions. The lenders includes scheduled commercial banks, regional rural banks, and select Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). This broad coverage ensures that the scheme’s benefits can be availed across various sectors, regions, and business scales, promoting an environment of equal opportunities.

    Any Existing or Newly-formed Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) are eligible to borrow through this scheme.

    Eligible Activities

    If your business falls within the manufacturing and service-based category, including retail trade, then you are eligible to avail benefits under the CGTMSE scheme. Some businesses that aren’t covered under the purview of the scheme include, Self-help groups, Agricultural activities, along with Educational and Training Institutions.

    Loan Amount

    If you are a MSE owner, you can avail the credit guarantee facility of up to INR 5 crores. On the other hand, the Regional Rural Banks and other select Financial Institutions can offer this facility limited to INR 50 Lakhs.

    Guarantee Coverage

    If you are someone eligible to the benefits of the CGTMSE scheme, you can avail up to 75 – 85 % repayment of the principal amount in the scenario of you making a default. It is to be noted here that this shall hold true only in case your principal amount is up to INR 50 Lakhs.

    Requirement of a Collateral

    Being covered under the CGTMSE makes you immune to provide any collateral or external or third-party guarantees.

    Who are the Lending Institutions under the CGTMSE scheme?

    • Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs)
    • Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
    • Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
    • Small Financial Banks (SFBs)
    • North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi)
    • Small Industrial Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
    • National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)

    What documents will I need to apply for the loan under the CGTMSE Scheme?

    • The CGTMSE loan application form, duly filled
    • Passport-sized photographs
    • Company Registration or Business Incorporation Certificate
    • Business Project Report
    • Loan Coverage Letter under CGTMSE
    • The Loan Approval copy as provided by the bank
    • Any other document as required by the bank

    The Annual Guarantee Fee (AGF)

    For the credit facility sanctioned or renewed on or after April 1st 2023, there will be an Annual Guarantee Fee charged in the amount guaranteed for the first year and the outstanding amount for the remaining period of the credit facility.

    SlabStandard Rate (SR)Fee Rate after DiscountFee Rate with Risk Premium
    (-10%)15%30%50%70%
    0 – 10 Lakhs0.370.330.430.480.560.63
    Above 10-50 lakh0.550.500.630.720.830.94
    Above 50-1 crore0.600.540.690.780.901.02
    Above 1-2 crore1.201.081.381.561.802.04
    Above 2-5 crore1.351.221.551.762.032.30

    Like any comprehensive program, the CGTMSE scheme is not without its challenges. One of the primary concerns raised by the stakeholders is the need for increased awareness and outreach efforts. While the scheme has gathered appreciation, there remains a significant portion of the MSME community, particularly in remote and rural areas, that may not be fully aware of its benefits and eligibility criteria.

    As the MSME sector continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing business landscape in the Indian economy, the CGTMSE scheme remains a vital pillar of support, nurturing an environment favourable for entrepreneurship and ensuring that the entrepreneurial spirit in India continues to thrive.

    Reference: https://www.cgtmse.in/

    PMFME Scheme – Empowering Small Food Businesses

    Government Schemes

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    PMFME Scheme

    A variety of food products are served by the Indian food processing industry. They contribute a great deal in the employment generation, around 74%, as well as to the overall growth of the nation. However, a sizeable portion, over 25 lakh units, of this industry forms of unorganized and informal micro enterprises. These often face challenges pertaining to finance, modern technology and market linkages.

    Alleviating these obstacles, the Government of India has launched the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme hoping to unlock the potential of the micro food processing sector.

    About the PMFME Scheme

    An ambitious initiative by the Government, PMFME scheme shall provide financial, technical and business support to the micro food processing units across India. The scheme was launched in 2020 for five years 2020-21 to 2024-25, as a part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Campaign). The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) implemented the scheme.

    Vision with PMFME Scheme

    With a specific focus on boosting and formalising the existing micro enterprises PMFME scheme was launched. A special emphasis has been put on supporting Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), producer cooperatives and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) engaged in the agri-food processing activities. The government wants to improve the growth and functioning of these informal organisations by giving them the resources and support they require.

    The campaign is centrally supported, with a shared government responsibility and an expense of INR 10,000 crores split over five years.In most states, the ration of bearing the finance comes to 60:40 for central and state government, respectively. Yet, the cost-sharing ratio for the North-Eastern and Himalayan States remains 90% being borne by the central government. This strategic allocation targets at reaching he grassroots level, the remotest corners of the country. Enhancing their bargaining power, this scheme would empower the small and marginal farmers, as a result, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

    Primary Objectives of the PMFME Scheme

    • Formalization of the informal micro food processing enterprises
    • Providing access to credit and affordable capital
    • Enabling modern technology and skill upgradation
    • Facilitating market linkages and supply chain integration
    • Promoting women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in the food processing sector

    Addressing the key areas mentioned above, the main aim remains to enhance the competitiveness, productivity and profitability of the micro food processing units. This will in turn contribute to the overall growth of the food processing industry in India.

    Key Components of the PMFME Scheme

    Seed Capital SupportFor urban units, INR 40,000, while for rural units INR 50,000 This would cover initial expenses including necessary licenses, registrations and certifications.
    Credit-linked SubsidyFor upgrading existing units and setting-up new units- 35% subsidy on eligible project costs (up to INR 10 lakhs per unit) For common infrastructure and capital expenditure of SHGs, FPOs and Cooperatives- 35% subsidy on eligible project costs (up to INR 10 crore) with maximum subsidy limit of INR 3 crore For overall branding and marketing- 50% of overall cost. This includes support for participating in domestic and international trade fairs, e-commerce platforms and exhibitions.
    Merging with other SchemesPradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana Stand Up India
    Skill Development and Capacity BuildingIncludes training programs, exposure visits, awareness campaigns for enhancing knowledge base on food processing, packaging, marketing and entrepreneurship
    Cluster ApproachBringing together micro food processing units in a particular area to leverage economies of scale, shared infrastructure and collective marketing efforts.
    One District One Product (ODOP)Collective procurement of inputs and raw materials Shared access to common services and infrastructure Coordinated marketing and branding efforts

    Eligibility and Application Process

    To be eligible the existing and aspiring micro food processing units must have a turnover of less than INR 1 crore. Additionally, they should be engaged in processing of food products including- fruits, vegetables, pulses, grains, dairy products and other horticultural or agricultural products.

    The application process for the scheme is straightforward and simple. The applicant needs to submit the requisite documents along with business plan to the designated nodal agencies, varying from state to state. Next, the applications shall be evaluated based on the predefined criteria.

    Visit here to know more about the PMFME Scheme.

    Impact of the Scheme

    The PMFME scheme has received an overwhelming response from the micro food processing units of across India. It helped in strengthening the current units and promoted the formation of new businesses in the industry. With a total expenditure of INR 10,000 crore, the plan benefited nearly 250,000 businesses as of March 2023. All this effort has contributed through increased employment opportunities, improved livelihood opportunities and enhanced food security, especially in rural areas.

    The Road Ahead

    In order to reach a wider base of the micro food processing units, the Government of India plans to further expand the PMFME scheme with greater outreach to remote and undeserved areas of the nation. By encouraging further integration into global food chains and environmentally friendly and sustainable food processing methods, it aims to strengthen such inaccessible business units.

    Conclusion

    An important step towards empowering and assisting India’s microfood processing industry is the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) plan. By addressing the challenges faced by these businesses and offering comprehensive assistance, the programme seeks to bring out their actual capabilities, support the expansion of the food processing sector, and promote balanced and environmentally friendly growth countrywide.

    Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)

    Government Schemes

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    PMVVY

    Nowadays, life expectancy of people is increasing which leads to a growing population of senior citizens in India, making their financial security a pressing concern during their retirement. The government of India has introduced the PMVVY to address this issue. This is a pension scheme to provide a source of regular income to senior citizens aged sixty years and above.

    The PMVVY scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Finance on 4th May 2017. Its main objective is to protect the older population from negative effects of falling interest rates and providing them with a reliable stream of income. This initiative ensures senior citizens have their financial independence and dignity in their later years, while also recognizing the valuable contributions made by them to society.

    Key Features of the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana:

    Eligibility CriteriaThe PMVVY is open to all Indian citizens aged 60 years or above as of the date of investment. The scheme is not restricted to any particular income group, making it accessible to a wide range of senior citizens.
    Investment and ReturnsUnder the PMVVY, senior citizens can invest a lump sum amount ranging from a minimum of INR 1,62,162/- to a maximum of INR 15,00,000/-. In return, they receive a fixed pension at a specified rate of interest. The interest is payable on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annual basis, as per individual’s preference.
    Guaranteed Pension RateOne of the key advantages of the PMVVY is the guaranteed pension rate, which is revised annually. For the financial year 2023-24, the pension rate has been set at an attractive 7.6% per annum, providing a stable and predictable income stream for senior citizens.
    Tenure and Pension PeriodThe PMVVY offers a policy tenure ranging from 10 to 35 years, catering to the diverse needs of senior citizens. The pension is payable for the chosen policy term or until the lifetime of the investor, whichever is earlier.
    Joint Investment OptionThe PMVVY allows for joint investments by senior citizens, including spouses. In the event of the demise of one of the investors, the surviving spouse continues to receive the pension for lifetime.
    Tax BenefitsThe PMVVY offers tax benefits to senior citizens under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, on the investment amount. Additionally, the pension received is also exempted from income tax, providing further financial relief.

    The PMVVY has been welcomed with open arms by senior citizens and their families. As it not only provides a sense of financial security and independence during the retirement years, but also due to its simplicity and attractive returns.

    Furthermore, the management of PMVVY is under the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), ensuring transparency and reliability. This makes accessing the scheme by senior citizens easy by visiting LIC offices or authorized agents across the country.

    Some key points of PMVVY:

    Extensions & Revisions: PMVVY has undergone several extensions and revision since it was introduced. It was initially launched for a period of year, but it was extended and is open to subscription till March 31, 2024. The government has taken feedback from stakeholders and adjusted as per market conditions.

    Survivor Benefit: In case of the demise of joint investors, the PMVVY provides survivor benefits to the nominees. The original scheme amount including final pension instalment due is paid to the nominees, ensuring the investment amount is received to the family.

    Grievance Redressal: To ensure a smooth investment journey, PMVVY has established a grievance redressal mechanism to address all concerns or complaints from senior citizens. For that, investors have to just visit their nearest LIC branch or PMVVY cell at LIC’s central office for hassle free grievance resolution.

    Promoting Financial Literacy: The PMVVY aligns with the government’s broader objective of promoting financial inclusion among various segments of society. By providing a secure investment option for senior citizens, the scheme encourages them to participate in the formal financial system and plan for their retirement years.

    Awareness: To ensure that people know about this scheme, the government has undergone various awareness and outreach initiatives. To educate the senior citizens about the scheme’s benefits and enrolment process, the government has conducted various advertising campaigns, workshops, and seminars.

    Monitoring and Evaluation: The Ministry of Finance along with LIC, regularly monitors and evaluates the performance and impact of the PMVVY. This includes tracking the investment inflows, monitoring the pension payouts, and assessing the overall satisfaction levels of senior citizens enrolled in the scheme.

    The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana has emerged as a dutiful step by the government to provide financial security and ensure the wellbeing of the elderly population of the nation. By providing a reliable source of income to the senior citizens, allowing them to live retired life in a dignified and comfortable way.

    Guide to Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

    Government Schemes

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    Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

    Under the well-known campaign- ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,’ of the Government of India, a small savings scheme is launched namely “Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana- SSY”. Keeping in view the girl child, this scheme provides a long-term investment option to ensure her financial security. Not only the scheme offers attractive interest rates, but it also allows to avail added benefit of deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, making it a preferred choice for many guardians/ parents.

    Empowering a girl child in a society where gender equality is a far-reaching dream is of utmost importance. The Government of India, recognising this need, came up with the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) in the year 2015. The primary motive of introducing the scheme was to empower the girl child by securing her future. This is done through encouraging their parents to save small amount for her education and marriage expenses.

    Read ahead to delve deeper into the minute details of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.

    Features of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana:

    Account OpeningSSY account can be opened by a legal guardian or a parent of a girl child Age of the girl child can be below 10 years A maximum of two girl child in each family is allowed, with an exception for twins
    TenureThe account shall mature after 21 years from the date of opening or when the girl child gets marries after the legal age of 18 years.
    DepositMinimum deposit of INR 250/- Maximum deposit of INR 150,000/- in a financial year is permissible
    WithdrawalOn maturity after 21 years of opening the account Can withdraw up to 50% of the balance amount on attaining the age of 18 years The partial amount withdrawn early can only be utilised for either the girl child’s higher education or towards her wedding expenses.
    Interest RateFor FY 2024-25, interest rate of 8.20% annually prevails currently. The given interest rate is revised quarterly and is usually higher than any other small savings schemes
    Tax BenefitsAny contribution made towards the SSY scheme account is eligible for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act Also, the maturity amount along with the interest earned over the period is tax free
    Account TransferEasy transfer of the account is allowed on relocation of the girl child Transfer needs to be done through any authorised banks or post office across India

    Benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana:

    • Future Financial Needs- SSY provides a secure and disciplined way of saving for the financial needs of the girl child, such as her education and marriage.
    • Higher Interest Rates- The scheme offers competitive interest rates, which are generally higher than other government-backed savings schemes.
    • Tax Benefits to the contributor- Tax exemption on contributions, interest earned, and maturity amount makes SSY an attractive investment option for parents.
    • Long-term benefit- With a tenure of 21 years, SSY encourages long-term financial planning and disciplined saving habits.
    • Targets gender inequality- By promoting education and financial independence, SSY contributes to the overall empowerment of the girl child and gender equality.

    Eligibility Criteria for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana:

    To open an SSY account, checkout the following eligibility criteria which must be met:

    • For whom? –

    The account can be opened for a girl child below the age of 10 years.

    • Who can open the account? –

    Only Indian residents are eligible to open an SSY account. Parents or legal guardians can open and operate the account on behalf of the girl child.

    • How many accounts can one open? –

    A maximum of two SSY accounts can be opened for each family, irrespective of the number of girl children.

    How to Open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Account?

    Opening an SSY account is a simple process, and it can be done at any authorized banks or post offices present across India. The online mode of opening the account from the comfort of your home is still under development. Open account offline in simple steps as follows:

    1. Visit the post office or nearest authorised bank
    2. Get Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account opening form. Fill the required details.
    3. Submit the duly filled form to the concerned personnel along with the necessary documents, including birth certificate of the girl child, identity proof, address proof, etc..
    4. Deposit the initial amount starting INR 250/- to get the account activated. The payment can be made either through cash, cheque or even Demand Draft.
    5. Collect the passbook, once the account is opened. The passbook shall contain all the details pertaining to the account.

    The initiative of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a great step by the Government of India to secure the future of the girl child. This safe and lucrative investment option encourages the parents to plan and save for their daughter’s higher education or the event of her marriage. The scheme with its attractive interest rates, tax benefits, and flexible withdrawal options, serves as a powerful tool for empowering the girl child and promoting gender equality in Indian society. Investing here will not only secure the financial future of the girl child but also contribute to her overall growth and development. Therefore, every parent should consider opening an SSY account for their daughter to ensure a brighter and more prosperous future.

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