New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India plans to soon launch a 10-year savings instrument that will offer inflation-linked returns to small investors as an alternative to investing in gold.
“It is proposed to launch Inflation Indexed National Savings Securities (IINSSs) for retail investors in November/December 2013 in consultation with the Government,” the RBI said today in its second quarter review of monetary policy.
The inflation-indexed securities for retail investors will be linked to the new (combined) consumer price index (CPI). The interest on these securities would include a fixed rate plus inflation.
“Interest would be compounded half-yearly and paid cumulatively at redemption. These securities will be distributed through banks to reach out to the masses,” the RBI said.
Eligible investors would consist of individuals, Hindu undivided families, trusts and charitable institutions.
The Union Budget for 2013-14 had proposed introducing instruments that would protect savings from inflation and provide an alternative to gold as an investment avenue for individuals.
Both the Government and the RBI have imposed a host of restrictions on the import of gold, one of the major reasons for the record high current account deficit in the previous financial year.
