Gold Monetization Scheme

Gold Monetization Scheme

Prime Minister of India, Sh. Narendra Modi will launch Gold Monetization Scheme tomorrow. For those who possess gold as an investment asset, the higher rate of interest (2.25 percent to 2.5 percent) offered by the government under the gold monetisation scheme (GMS) is a best opportunity.

What is Gold Monetization Scheme

Gold Monetization Scheme is a scheme that facilitates the depositors of gold to earn interest on their metal accounts. Once the gold is deposited in metal account, it will start earning interest on the same. When a customer brings in gold to the counter of specified agency or bank, the purity of gold is determined and exact quantity of gold is credited in the metal account. Customers may be asked to complete KYC (know-your-customer) process. The deposited gold will be lent by banks to jewellers at an interest rate little higher than the interest paid to the customer.

Scope of the Scheme

The scheme requires a vast set-up of infrastructure for facilitating easy and secure handling of gold. or this reason, it may be possible to launch it initially only in selected cities. Over time, as the infrastructure for assaying and refining of gold develops, the scheme can be extended to other cities.

Opening of Gold Savings Account with the banks.

Gold Savings Account: When the customer produces the certificate of gold deposited at the Purity Testing Centre, the bank will in turn open a ‘Gold Savings Account’ for the customer and credit the ‘quantity’ of gold into the customer’s account. Simultaneously, the Purity Verification Centre will also inform the bank about the deposit made.

Interest payment by banks: The bank will commit to paying an interest to the customer which will be payable after 30/60 days of opening of the Gold Savings Account. The amount of interest rate to be given is proposed to be left to the banks to decide. Both principal and interest to be paid to the depositors of gold, will be ‘valued’ in gold. For example if a customer deposits 100 gms of gold and gets 1 per cent interest, then, on maturity he has a credit of 101 gms.

Redemption: The customer will have the option of redemption either in cash or in gold, which will have to be exercised in the beginning itself (that is, at the time of making the deposit).

Tenure: The tenure of the deposit will be minimum 1 year and with a roll out in multiples of one year. Like a fixed deposit, breaking of lockin period will be allowed.Tax Exemption: