Kisan Vikas Patra: Double Your Money with Safe Investment for Farmers & Investors!
Created on 26 May 2023
Wraps up in 11 Min
Read by 3.3k people
Updated on 23 Jun 2023
Imagine you live in a small farming village, far away from the bustling cities of India. You work hard every day to make ends meet and provide for your family, but the constant struggle to find reliable investment options leaves you feeling uncertain about the future. That's where Kisan Vikas Patra comes in.
Kisan Vikas Patra, or KVP for short, is a government-sponsored investment scheme that promises high returns and a safe investment option for farmers and rural residents. With interest rates that outpace traditional savings accounts, tax benefits, and government backing, KVP is quickly becoming the go-to investment option for those seeking financial security.
But what exactly is KVP, and how does it work? Who is eligible to invest, and what are the rules and guidelines to follow? And perhaps most importantly, how can KVP help you plan for a brighter future?
Join us as we explore the world of Kisan Vikas Patra and learn all you need to know about this unique investment option designed for rural India.
What is Kisan Vikas Patra?
Are you seeking a savings scheme that encourages long-term financial planning while boosting small savings for a secure future? Look no further than the Kisan Vikas Patra scheme! This government-initiated scheme was launched by India Post in 1988. It was initially aimed at farmers, but now it is available to everyone.
Investors can start with a minimum of ₹1,000 with no maximum limit. Flexible investment options make it easy to tailor the scheme to your needs. You can invest a lump sum today and receive twice as much at the end of the tenure, currently set at 120 months (10 years).
With a guaranteed return on investment and no TDS deduction, Kisan Vikas Patra is a low-risk investment option that offers peace of mind. Plus, it's a tax-efficient investment option. It's worth noting that to prevent money laundering, the government made PAN Card proof mandatory for investments above ₹50,000 in 2014.
In short, the Kisan Vikas Patra scheme is a great savings option for those looking to practice long-term financial discipline and secure their financial future.
Type of Kisan Vikas Patra
When it comes to Kisan Vikas Patra certificates, there are three types that investors can choose from.
- Single Holder Type Certificate: This is issued to an adult for themselves, on behalf of a minor, or to a minor. This certificate benefits those who want to invest in the scheme individually or for their children's future.
- Joint 'A' Type Certificate: This is issued jointly to two adults. The amount invested in this certificate is payable to both the holders jointly or to the survivor. This certificate is ideal for couples who want to invest in the scheme together and ensure that the amount invested benefits them equally.
- Joint 'B' Type Certificate: This is also issued jointly to two adults. This type of certificate is suitable for investors who want to ensure that the amount invested is available to either of them, irrespective of what happens to the other. However, the amount invested in this certificate is payable to either the holders or to the survivor.
Choosing the type of Kisan Vikas Patra certificate carefully is important, depending on individual investment goals and requirements. Regardless of the type chosen, this savings scheme is a great option for those looking to invest for the long term and practice financial discipline.
Eligibility Criteria
Kisan Vikas Patra is a savings certificate scheme launched by India Post, which is available to all citizens of India. The eligibility criteria for investing in KVP are as follows:
- The investor should be an Indian citizen.
- Individuals can invest in their name or on behalf of a minor.
- Joint investment is also possible, where the investment can be made jointly by two adults.
- Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible to invest in Kisan Vikas Patra.
Who should invest in KVP?
This investment scheme is particularly appealing to people from rural areas who don't have a bank account. KVP is a smart choice for those who prefer low-risk investments and have extra cash they don't need soon. But ultimately, whether or not KVP is the right investment for you depends on your risk profile and goals. So, choose your investment wisely and play to your financial strengths.
Better options like Public Provident Funds, National Saving Certificates, and tax-saving bank FD schemes are available if you're looking for tax-saving schemes. And if you're willing to take on some level of risk, you can always consider the Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS).
Kisan Vikas Patra Interest Rate: Everything You Need to Know
The Kisan Vikas Patra interest rate is subject to change based on the duration of the investment. As of Q4 FY 2022-23, from 1st January 2023 to 31st March 2023, the current interest rate is 7.2% per annum, compounded annually. It is important to note that compounding interest helps to generate higher returns on your investment.
The government reviews the interest rates on small savings schemes every quarter. The interest rate may be revised upwards or downwards based on market conditions and government policies.
It is important to note that Kisan Vikas Patra offers a guaranteed return on investment, making it a low-risk investment option. However, the interest rate may not always keep pace with inflation, so investors should consider their investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in this scheme.
Benefits of Kisan Vikas Patra Scheme
Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is a savings scheme the Government of India offers. It is a risk-free investment option with a fixed rate of return. Here are the benefits of investing in Kisan Vikas Patra:
- Guaranteed Returns: KVP is a safe investment option as the government backs it. The scheme provides a fixed interest rate, and the returns are guaranteed.
- Flexible Investment: The minimum investment amount in KVP is ₹1000, and there is no upper limit on the investment amount. It makes KVP a flexible investment option suitable for investors with different financial goals.
- Tax Benefits: The interest earned on Kisan Vikas Patra is taxable under the Income Tax Act 1961. The interest earned on KVP is added to the investor's income and taxed as per their income tax slab. However, there is no Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on the interest earned on KVP.
Moreover, while the interest earned on KVP is taxable, the maturity amount (i.e. the amount invested and interest earned) is exempt from tax. The exemption applies to the total maturity amount, not just the principal amount. - No Market Risk: The returns on KVP are not linked to the market performance, making it an attractive investment option for risk-averse investors.
- Easy Liquidity: KVP has a lock-in period of 2.5 years. However, the investment can be easily encashed after the lock-in period, providing liquidity to investors.
- Availability: KVP can be purchased from any post office or authorised bank, making it easily accessible to investors nationwide.
- Nomination Facility: KVP offers a nomination facility, which means that investors can nominate a person who will receive the investment amount in case of their unfortunate demise.
- Suitable for Small Savings: KVP is a good option for individuals who want to save a small amount of money regularly. The scheme provides attractive interest rates, making it a viable investment option for small savings.
KVP: A Step-by-Step Guide to Investing and Documents You Need
Investing in Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is a simple process. Here are the steps to invest in KVP and the documents required:
- Gather the required documents: To invest in KVP, you will need to have the following documents ready - KYC documents, which include your identity proof and address proof. Acceptable proof of identity documents include Aadhar card, PAN card, passport, and voter ID card, while acceptable proof of address documents include utility bills, Aadhar card, and bank statements. You also need to submit a passport-sized photograph along with your KYC documents. The photograph should be recent and not more than six months old.
- Visit the nearest post office or bank: KVP can be purchased from designated post offices or banks. Visit the nearest post office or bank that offers KVP.
- Fill out the application form: Fill out the KVP application form with your personal details, such as name, address, date of birth, and investment amount. Make sure to fill in the correct information to avoid any delays or issues with your investment.
- Submit the KYC documents: Submit your KYC documents, which include your identity proof and address proof, along with the KVP application form.
- Pay the investment amount: You can pay the investment amount using cash, demand draft, or cheque, depending on the mode of investment selected.
- Receive the KVP certificate: Once the payment is made, you will receive a KVP certificate from the post office or bank. The certificate will have details of your investment, such as the investment amount, date of investment, and maturity date.
- Nominate a person (optional): If you wish to nominate a person who will receive the investment amount in case of your unfortunate demise, fill out the nomination form and submit it along with your application form.
Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before investing in KVP.
Kisan Vikas Patra: Understanding the Rules and Guidelines for Investing
Kisan Vikas Patra was relaunched by the Indian government in 2014. When this happened, the government introduced a new set of rules and regulations for the scheme. These revamped rules and regulations must be followed by all individuals on a stringent basis.
Individuals may also use a Kisan Vikas Patra calculator to calculate their estimates better and see how much savings they can make in the coming years. This will help them to make mindful investments.
- There are three main certificates- Joint A, Joint B, and Single holder certificates.
- One can purchase an ‘N’ number of KVP certifications belonging to specific denominations.
- Each KVP rule will be known as “Kisan Vikas Patra Rules, 2014.” They will all be effective on the same day of publication in the Official Gazette.
- Specific words in the rules will imply the following unless the context otherwise demands-
- Cash- Indian cash currency
- Act- Government Savings Certificate Act, 1959
- Certificate- Kisan Vikas Patra
- Post Office- Any departmental Indian post office carrying out the savings bank operations.
- Identity Slip- An identity slip that is provided to the certificate holder.
- The Kisan Vikas Patra Certification will be provided to the holders in a denomination of ₹1,000 and ₹5,000, ₹10,000 and ₹50,000.
- Once the payment is complete, the individual will receive KVP certification immediately.
- A lost certificate or replacement of certification will need an application in the bank or the KVP post office for a new one.
- In case the certification is encashed, the holder needs to sign at the back of the certificate. This will help them to receive payments.
- In case there are any errors on the certification, the Postmaster General can rectify them. However, it is only possible if this does not cause government-related financial loss.
How to Transfer Kisan Vikas Patra Account?
Are you looking to transfer your Kisan Vikas Patra account from one person to another or from one post office to another? It's a simple process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here's what you need to know:
Transfer from One Person to Another
If you want to transfer your KVP certificate from one person to another, you must submit a written letter to the Post Office. Depending on the situation, you may need to transfer it to:
- From a single owner to combined owners.
- From combined owners to a certain owner from a group of owners.
- Transfer of name of someone who is no longer alive to their heir.
- From the owner to a law judge.
Transfer from One Post Office to Another
Here are the steps to transfer your Kisan Vikas Patra certificate from one post office to another:
- Visit the post office where you originally received your KVP certificate and obtain an application form for transfer.
- Fill out the application form with the necessary details, including the details of the transferee and the new post office.
- Submit the filled-out application form to the post office along with your original KVP certificate.
- The post office will verify the details and process your transfer request.
- Once the transfer is complete, the post office will issue a new KVP certificate to the transferee at the new post office.
By following these simple steps, you can transfer your Kisan Vikas Patra certificate to a new post office and continue to enjoy its benefits. Note that the transferee must be a resident Indian and eligible to purchase KVP certificates. It's also important to consider any additional requirements or fees that may apply to the transfer process.
Kisan Vikas Patra Withdrawals Rules
Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is a savings scheme offered by the Indian Post Office. The scheme is designed to help people save money for the long term and offers guaranteed returns. The maturity period of the KVP is 120 months (10 years). However, premature withdrawals are allowed under certain conditions.
Here are the rules for Kisan Vikas Patra withdrawals:
- Premature withdrawal after 2.5 years: You can withdraw your KVP after 2.5 years from the issue date. However, if you withdraw before the completion of 3 years, you will receive a lower interest rate.
- Premature withdrawal after 3 years: If you withdraw after the completion of 3 years but before the maturity period, you will receive the full principal amount along with interest earned up to that point. However, the interest rate applicable in this case will be lower than the rate applicable to the full term.
- Premature withdrawal in case of death of the holder: In case of the death of the KVP holder, the nominee can withdraw the amount invested along with interest earned till that point. The nominee must provide a death certificate and other necessary documents to claim the amount.
- Premature withdrawal in case of transfer of KVP: If the KVP is transferred from one person to another, the transferee can withdraw the amount prematurely after 2.5 years from the date of transfer. The transferor will have to provide a written request for transfer along with other necessary documents.
It is important to note that premature withdrawals attract a penalty, and the exact penalty amount will depend on the duration for which the KVP has been held. Therefore, holding the KVP till maturity is advisable to get the maximum benefit.
Loan Against KVP
If you have a Kisan Vikas Patra account in your name, you may be eligible for a loan against it. However, there are some important things to keep in mind before you consider this option:
- The KVP account must be in your name to be eligible for a loan against it.
- You will need to repay the loan during the tenure of the KVP scheme.
- The amount of the loan and margin will depend on the maturity and investment of your KVP and will be discussed with the bank.
- Loans against KVPs are only available for personal and business purposes.
- The charges for a loan against KVPs can vary, as can the interest rates.
It's important to consider your financial situation and needs carefully before taking out a loan against your KVP account. Ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions and any associated fees and interest rates. With careful planning and responsible borrowing, a loan against KVP could be useful for achieving your financial goals.
The Bottom Line
In a nutshell, Kisan Vikas Patra is a decent investment option for those who want to play it safe and see their savings grow. With its impressive interest rates and minimal risk, KVP is a favourite among farmers, small investors, and anyone who's planning to secure their future. Investing in KVP is super easy and stress-free, and the Indian government guarantees the safety and security of your investment.
Whether you're in for a short-term or a long-term game, KVP is an awesome option that gives you a reliable and stable return on your investment. So, if you want to grow your savings and take a chill pill about your financial future, Kisan Vikas Patra is the way to go!