In search of investment avenues that offer not only safety but also the promise of substantial returns, employed women across India are turning to Post Office schemes.
These government-backed initiatives provide not only financial security but also avenues for wealth accumulation in a relatively short span.
Notably, several of these schemes offer tax benefits, making them even more attractive.
Here are five post office schemes specially curated for women:
1. Public Provident Fund (PPF)
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term investment plan with a 15-year maturity period.
It qualifies for tax exemption under Section 80C, allowing investments of up to Rs 1.50 lakh annually. PPF offers an attractive annual interest rate of 7.1 percent.
2. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Designed for the benefit of girl children, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) enables women to open an account in the name of their daughters below the age of 10.
The account ownership is transferred to the girl when she reaches 18 or becomes an adult.
SSY offers an impressive interest rate of 7.6 percent and allows deposits ranging from Rs 250 to Rs 1.5 lakh annually. Furthermore, it falls under the tax exemption category of Section 80C.
3. National Savings Certificate (NSC)
With the National Savings Certificate (NSC), women can invest a minimum of Rs 1,000 and in multiples of Rs 100 thereafter, with no upper limit.
The NSC has a 5-year maturity period and offers an interest rate of 7 percent. It also qualifies for tax exemption under Section 80C.
4. Post Office Time Deposit
Ideal for women looking to invest, the Post Office Time Deposit permits investments of up to Rs 1.50 lakh.
The 5-year deposit is eligible for tax exemption under Section 80C and provides a competitive interest rate of 7 percent.
5. Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme
The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme is open for a 2-year investment period, allowing women to invest up to Rs 2 lakh in their name or their daughters’.
This scheme offers a fixed interest rate of 7.5 percent annually. Importantly, 40 percent of the investment can be withdrawn after the first year of opening the account, offering a degree of liquidity.
These post office schemes empower women to secure their financial future while enjoying tax benefits and promising interest rates.
Whether planning for their daughters’ education, building a retirement corpus, or simply seeking stable investment options, these schemes offer a range of choices for women to grow their wealth wisely.
