<div>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.<br /><br />"It is proposed to launch Inflation Indexed National Saving 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 2013-14.<br /><br />The inflation-indexed securities for retail investors will be linked to the new (combined) consumer price index (CPI). The interest on these securities would comprise of a fixed rate plus inflation.<br /><br />"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.<br /><br />Eligible investors would consist of individuals, Hindu undivided families, trusts and charitable institutions.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />In another decision, the RBI allowed banks to pay interest on savings and term deposits at shorter-than-quarterly intervals. Banks are currently required to pay interest on such deposits at quarterly or longer intervals. <br /> </div><div>(Reuters)<br /><br /> </div>
