Introduction: 

It is a scheme designed and developed to increase investment in Government Securities by Individual Investors, as part of continuing government efforts to increase retail participation in government securities. Under this scheme, retail investors can open and maintain the "Retail Direct Gilt Account" with RBI. The scheme is officially launched and made available to the public from November 12, 2021, inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi via virtual mode.

Scope of Scheme:

It provides the following facilities to retail investors in government securities that were not available earlier.

• Open and maintain a "Retail Direct Gilt Account" (RDG Account)
• Access to primary issuance of Government Securities
• Access to NDS-OM

Subject to clarify here are:

RDG Account is like an official bank account of debit and credit of government securities transactions as like any other Bank Account.

Government Securities under this scheme are Government of India Treasure Bills, Government of India dated securities, Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), and State Development Loans (SDLs).

NDS-OM means RBI's screen-based, anonymous electronic order matching system for trading in Government Securities in the secondary market.

Eligibility:

Only Individual (natural person) is eligible as Retail investor to participate in this scheme which has the following documents or accounts: -

• Rupee savings bank account maintained in India;
• PAN issued by Income Tax Department;
• Any Officially Valid Document (OVD) for Know Your Customer (KYC) purposes like Passport, Driving License, Aadhar Card, or Voter Identity Card.
• Valid E-mail ID and Registered Mobile Number

The non-resident retail investor is eligible to invest in Government Securities under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, of 1999.

Further RDG Account can be opened singly or jointly with another retail investor who meets the eligibility criteria.

Procedure:

Investors can register on the online portal by filling up the online form and using the One Time Password (OTP) received on the registered mobile number and email id to authenticate and submit the form. RDG Account shall be available for primary market participation as well as a secondary market transaction on NDS-OM.

Under Primary Market Participation, it's like applying for Initial Public Offering (IPO) for Government Securities as per the given guidelines and framework. Whereas under the secondary market, retail investors can participate in buy and sell transactions of Government Securities. In fact, it is also similar to stock market operation at the second segment but the underlying assets are predefined i.e. Government Prescribed Securities.

Investor Facilitate:

Under this scheme, unlike others, the facilities like obtaining account statements (history and balance) as well alert services are also provided through e-mail/SMS. Nomination can be filed/given on RDG Account. RDG Account securities can be pledged and lien for other services. RDG Holder can gift the securities to other RDG Account Holders. The proper grievances cell is designed to look after such retail transactions from retail investors under RDG Account. 

Fees and Charges:

The Account opening and maintaining charges are Nil and even the aggregator functioning on the placement of bids on primary auction like IPO is free however the gateway and fund settlement charges are applicable as per the service provider's terms and condition bear and born by registered retail investors. Here aggregator means to Clearing Corporation of India Limited as on a date or other may be notified in due course by RBI.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded as a more prudent, safe and secure means of Investment for small-ticket retail investors among others. Unlike earlier, now onwards the retail investor can enjoy the benefit of earning on Government Securities directly instead of making small fund part at the Bank as Fixed Deposits or Term Deposit or Mutual Funds or Securities. Comparatively, the risk is not so high on such investment and can provide bit above the returns on saving and fixed deposits, like Investment sources available to Retail investors.