Kisan Vikas Patra Scheme
Kisan Vikas Patra is a certificate scheme from the Indian post office. It doubles a one-time investment in a period of approximately 9 years & 10 months (118 months). For instance, a Kisan Vikas Patra for Rs. 5000 will get you a corpus of Rs. 10,000 postmaturity. In this article, we will explore the features and potential of this scheme.
1. Kisan Vikas Patra
India Post introduced the Kisan Vikas Patra as a small saving certificate scheme in 1988. Its primary objective is to encourage long-term financial discipline in people. As per the 2014 amendment of the scheme, the tenure for the scheme is now 118 months (9 years & 10 months). The minimum investment is Rs. 1000 and there is no upper limit. And if you invest a lumpsum today, you can get double the amount at the end of the 118th month. Initially, it was meant for farmers to enable them to save for long-term, and hence the name. Now it is available for all. To prevent the possibilities of money laundering, the 2014 government made PAN Card proof compulsory for investments above Rs. 50,000. To deposit Rs. 10 lakhs and above, you must submit income proofs (salary slips, bank statement, ITR document etc.). It is a low-risk savings platform, where you can safely park your money for a certain period. Further, it is also mandatory to submit AADHAR number as proof of identity of account holder.
2. Who should invest in the KVP scheme
Any Indian citizen above age 18 can buy a Kisan Vikas Patra from the nearest post office. People from rural India (with no bank account) find this particularly appealing. You can also buy one for a minor or jointly with another adult. Don’t forget to mention the date of birth of the minor and the name of the parent/guardian. A Trust can also buy one, but not an HUF or an NRI. KVP is a good choice for risk averse individuals, who have surplus money, which they may not require in the near future. It all depends on your risk profile and goals. For instance, people seeking tax-saving schemes have better options like Public Provident Fund, National Saving Certificates and tax saving bank FD Schemes. If you are open for some level of risk exposure, you have the Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS). Hence, play to your financial strengths.
