There is no guaranteed return plan for investment in India as all investments carry some level of risk. However, there are certain investment options that are considered to be relatively safer and offer stable returns over the long term.
Public Provident Fund (PPF): PPF is a popular investment option among individuals looking for a safe and long-term investment option. It offers a fixed interest rate, which is currently set at 7.1% per annum (as of April 2021). The interest earned on PPF is tax-free, and the investment is backed by the government of India.
National Savings Certificate (NSC): NSC is a fixed-income investment option backed by the government of India. It offers a fixed interest rate, which is currently set at 6.8% per annum (as of April 2021). The interest earned on NSC is taxable, but the investment qualifies for tax deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS): POMIS is a low-risk investment option that offers a fixed rate of return, which is currently set at 6.6% per annum (as of April 2021). The investment is backed by the government of India and offers monthly income to investors.
Fixed Deposits (FDs): FDs are a popular investment option among individuals looking for a safe and secure investment option. FDs offer a fixed rate of return, which varies based on the duration of the investment. The interest earned on FDs is taxable, and the investment is insured by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (DICGC) up to a limit of Rs. 5 lakh.
Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS): ELSS is a tax-saving mutual fund that offers investors the opportunity to earn potentially higher returns by investing in equities. ELSS has a lock-in period of three years and qualifies for tax deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. However, ELSS carries a higher risk as compared to other options mentioned above.
It is important to note that while these investment options offer relatively stable returns, they are not risk-free. It is advisable to carefully evaluate your investment goals and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. Additionally, it is recommended to diversify your investment portfolio across different asset classes to minimize the risk.