Public Provident Fund (PPF)
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed, long-term savings and investment program in India, designed to encourage saving and give individuals financial security. Citizens can open a PPF account at authorized banks or post offices.
Contributions qualify for tax benefits, and the deposited amount earns interest at a fixed rate set by the government. PPF accounts mature after 15 years, though that period can be extended in blocks of five years.