Kisan Vikas Patra Or, KVP, in short, is the latest ‘savings’ instrument that is making the news.
So you and I can invest – and it will be used in the nation-building activities specifically involving agricultural sector and the farmers! SO it is GOOD!
KVP is not an original idea though – KVP had been first launched in 1988 – and ran for 23 years before being discontinued in 2011. As Kisan Vikas Para is a negotiable instrument and PAN card was not required for making an investment in KVP, it led to money laundering. That's why Kisan Vikas Patra scheme was discontinued.
Back in July 2014, the new Finance Minister Arun Jaitley gave us a peek at what was to come and mentioned his intention to re-introduce KVP.
The revamped version – one can say – a cog in the wheel of the current PM’s nation-building and mass participation vision – was launched (or re-launched) on 24/ 25 November 2014.
And as is expected it’s got many pros and some cons which gives the pundits to laud or trash it! But our job is to objectively look at the features of this instrument and prepare for interviews – get a job – get the salaries and then think about investing in KVP!
Post Offices in India have a very wide network, spread all over the country – and hence it makes sense to sell KVPs through the Post Offices as the public will have easy access.
It is just like an FD – and the instrument just like FDR is a physical instrument – a certificate named ‘Kisan Vikas Patra’ – which will have the rate of interest, maturity tenure, name of the investor etc. printed on it.
Thus, KVP is really aimed at the mid alow-income groups (they also have the benefit of being under the tax slab or lower brackets) to encourage savings and to mobilize savings in constructive activities.
It’s just been exactly a month since its re-launch and it has a long way to go for success – because 1990s and 2014 is a lot different in terms of economic conditions of the country and the saving habits of people – and there are better investment options available now.
But KVPs intention is good – so here’s wishing KVP all the very best !
Good day!
No, it’s not a savings scheme for farmers! Instead, it means that the invested amount will be used for the welfare programs aimed at the farmers of the country.
So you and I can invest – and it will be used in the nation-building activities specifically involving agricultural sector and the farmers! SO it is GOOD!
KVP is not an original idea though – KVP had been first launched in 1988 – and ran for 23 years before being discontinued in 2011. As Kisan Vikas Para is a negotiable instrument and PAN card was not required for making an investment in KVP, it led to money laundering. That's why Kisan Vikas Patra scheme was discontinued.
What's new in Kisan Vikas Patra 2014
Now it mandatory PAN Card proof for investments over Rs.50,000 and income source proof for investments exceeding Rs.10 lakh.
Back in July 2014, the new Finance Minister Arun Jaitley gave us a peek at what was to come and mentioned his intention to re-introduce KVP.
The revamped version – one can say – a cog in the wheel of the current PM’s nation-building and mass participation vision – was launched (or re-launched) on 24/ 25 November 2014.
And as is expected it’s got many pros and some cons which gives the pundits to laud or trash it! But our job is to objectively look at the features of this instrument and prepare for interviews – get a job – get the salaries and then think about investing in KVP!
So what is KVP?
It is small savings scheme – by the Government of India – run by The Directorate of Small Savings – and the Post Offices sell these saving bonds.Post Offices in India have a very wide network, spread all over the country – and hence it makes sense to sell KVPs through the Post Offices as the public will have easy access.
It is just like an FD – and the instrument just like FDR is a physical instrument – a certificate named ‘Kisan Vikas Patra’ – which will have the rate of interest, maturity tenure, name of the investor etc. printed on it.
Key information:
- Name of the scheme - Kisan Vikas Patra
- Launched in: 1988
- Discontinued in: 2011
- Reintroduced in: 2014
- Launched by: The central Government of India and India post
- Type of Benefit: Investments and Savings
- Beneficiary: All the people
- Website: Click Here
Features of KVP – a bird's eye view:
- The top draw – the invested amount doubles upon maturity! Yeah!
- And the interest is 8.7%. Which is higher than most savings instruments.
- The maturity period is 100 months or eight years and four months – that is like way too long!
- But nation-building is a long process!
- Plus there is a lock-in period of 2 years and 6 months – that is during this period en-cashing is not allowed; thus KVP can be redeemed after 30 months and then after every 6 months hence.
- You being a citizen of India, adult or a trust can invest – you can also invest on behalf of a minor. Two adults can also jointly buy a KVP.
- But if you are a company, a firm, a HUF or an NRI – you cannot invest.
- Now, the certificates are available for fixed amounts – Rs.1000, Rs.5000, Rs.10,000 and Rs.50,000. So every lot/ certificate unit is of these denominations.
- No cap on the maximum amount you want to invest. Minimum is Rs.1000.
- It is a bearer instrument and easily en-cashable and nomination facility is available too.
- And it can also be used as security to avail bank loans!
- PAN is not required for KVP; but identity and address proof is required – so DL, VID etc. should work.
- KVP will be issued after conforming to KYC norms – this is in order to ensure black money does not get turned into white money!
Key facts:
- In the year 1988, the Central Government of India along with the India post has launched this scheme named Kisan Vikas Patra.
- Due to some problems, the Central Government of India ended this Scheme.
- Now, in the fiscal year 2014, the Government of India reintroduced this Kisan Vikas Patra.
- Moreover, govt. discontinues KVP Post Office Scheme due to the fear of money laundering because it was a bearer instrument. Henceforth, people can invest as well as receive maturity amount in cash. People can Compare All Post Office Schemes 2018 before making an investment.
- Discontinuation of KVP hurts savings mobilization of small investors.
- Subsequently, govt. has reintroduced this scheme with certain modifications.
- Many of the people are getting benefits under this Sarkari Yojana. All people are eligible to get this Kisan Vikas Patra by visiting any branch of Post office India.
- Accordingly, Kisan Vikas Patra instrument is fixed by the central government of India.
- An individual can purchase it by Cash, Cheque, Pay order or Demand Draft Modes.
- These central government schemes will double the principal amount in just 118 months.
- Kisan Vikas Patra calculates interest rate at 7.3% compounded per annum.
- However, people will not get any kind of Kisan Vikas Patra tax benefit through this scheme.
Types of Certificates
1) Single Holder Type KVP Certificate:
- The Central Government of India has issued this kind of Certificates for an adult itself or on behalf of any minor or to any minor.
2) Joint A Type KVP Certificate:
- In this type of Kisan Vikas Patra, it has issued for two adults jointly which is jointly payable for both Holders.
3) Joint B Type KVP Certificate:
- This is for 2 adults jointly and this is paid to either of the joint account holders.
Tax treatment of Kisan Vikas Patra (Bad thing about KVP) …
- KVP interest on maturity is fully taxable. Yep. So in the year, the KVP matures the entire interest amount will be added up to your income and accordingly taxed.
- So if you are the in higher bracket of the tax slab – you pay a tax at that higher rate on the interest income too!
- As for the investment amount (principal) itself – you do not get any tax deduction under section 80C. So that is a double blow. No tax benefits whatsoever!
It’s just been exactly a month since its re-launch and it has a long way to go for success – because 1990s and 2014 is a lot different in terms of economic conditions of the country and the saving habits of people – and there are better investment options available now.
But KVPs intention is good – so here’s wishing KVP all the very best !
Good day!
