RBI bonds scheme not closed: Finance Ministry

Govt on Monday notified that the 8% GoI Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2003 ‘shall cease for subscription with effect from the close of business on Tuesday, January 2, 2018’
PTI
In 2003, the government came out with bonds offering 8% interest to encourage retail investors to invest. Photo: Reuters
In 2003, the government came out with bonds offering 8% interest to encourage retail investors to invest. Photo: Reuters

New Delhi: The finance ministry on Tuesday said RBI bonds scheme has not been closed but the interest rate on such papers lowered to 7.75%.

On Monday, the government notified that the 8% GoI Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2003 “shall cease for subscription with effect from the close of business on Tuesday, January 2, 2018”.

“The 8 per cent Savings Bonds Scheme, also known as RBI Bonds Scheme, is not being closed. 8 per cent Scheme is being replaced by 7.75 per cent Savings Bonds Scheme,” economic affairs secretary S.C. Garg said in a tweet.

These taxable bonds are meant for individual other than non-resident Indians with no maximum limit for investment.

In 2003, the government came out with bonds offering 8% interest to encourage retail investors to invest.

The bond was open for subscription from 21 April 2003, and had a fixed tenure of six years. There was no upper limit for investment.