Small Savings Schemes: Unpack Features, Latest Rates & Key Benefits

• Government-backed financial instruments encouraging public savings, often offering higher returns than bank FDs.
• Key features: low risk, attractive interest rates (reviewed quarterly), accessibility, and tax benefits under Section 80C.
• Schemes include Post Office Deposits, Savings Certificates (NSC, KVP), and Social Security Schemes (SSY, SCSS, PPF).
• Latest rates: Sukanya Samriddhi 8.2%, PPF 7.1%, NSC 7.7%, KVP 7.5%, Senior Citizen Savings Account 8.2%.
• Interest rates are linked to Government Security (G-Sec) rates and reviewed quarterly by the Finance Ministry.