Well, the short answer is they are on par with any others in the private and public banking sector. Let us get into some details now.

Did you know that the Post Office savings bank is the largest retail bank in the country operating from about 1,50,000 branches? Ok, did you know that Postal Life Insurance is probably the oldest in India started way back in 1884, Yes, these credits are just the tip of the iceberg when talking about the Post Office and its contribution to the Banking sector in India.

The post office has been providing financial services in the form of money order and banking from a very long time. Since then, it has diversified its services and it now even provides Mutual Funds and Bonds in collaboration with IDBI-Principal.

Some of the services currently in vogue are:

• 15 year Public Provident Fund
• 6 year National Savings Certificate
• Savings Bank Account
• 6 year Post Office Monthly Income Scheme
• 5 year Post Office Recurring deposit account
• National Savings Scheme
• Kisan Vikas Patra
• Post Office Time Deposit

In addition to these they even have Life Insurance scheme for all Central and State Government employees, employees of Public Sector Undertakings.

For a detailed overview of the various saving schemes and interest rates applicable etc, you can visit the “Financial Services” section on their website: http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Netscape/Banking.html

Its time you visit your nearest post office once to find out more, their investment counselors are gentle, patient and friendly.