Current Context: The Government of India has discontinued the medium- and long-term components of the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS), effective March 26, 2025.
Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS)
- Launch: November 2015.
- Objective: Mobilise idle gold held by households and institutions to reduce gold imports and the current account deficit.
Components of GMS
- Short-term Bank Deposits (1-3 years):
- Interest rates set by banks based on market conditions.
- This component will remain active.
- Medium-term Government Deposits (5-7 years):Fixed interest rate: 2.25%.
- Long-term Government Deposits (12-15 years):Fixed interest rate: 2.5%.
- Reasons for Discontinuation:
- Evolving Market Conditions: Rising gold prices prompted reassessment.
- Scheme Performance: Lower-than-expected participation in medium- and long-term deposits.
- Focus on Refinement: Align policies with changing economic needs.