Here are some relatively safe investment options in India that offer good returns:
Public Provident Fund (PPF): A government-backed savings scheme with a 15-year lock-in period, offering attractive interest rates and tax benefits.
Fixed Deposits (FDs): Bank FDs provide guaranteed returns with varying tenures. Consider choosing banks with competitive interest rates.
National Pension System (NPS): A long-term retirement-focused investment that offers tax benefits and the potential for market-linked returns.
Debt Mutual Funds: These invest in fixed-income securities and can be a safer option compared to equity funds, especially for conservative investors.
Bonds: Government bonds or highly-rated corporate bonds can offer stable returns with lower risk than equities.
Recurring Deposits (RDs): Similar to FDs, RDs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, providing decent returns with low risk.
Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS): For senior citizens, this scheme offers attractive interest rates and government backing, making it a safe investment.
Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS): These mutual funds offer tax benefits and potential for capital appreciation over the long term, though they come with market risks.
Real Estate: While not entirely risk-free, investing in real estate in growing areas can yield good returns, especially if you're looking for rental income.
Gold ETFs: Investing in gold through ETFs can provide a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty without the need for physical storage.
While these options are relatively safe, it’s important to assess your individual financial goals and risk tolerance before investing. Diversifying across multiple asset classes can also help mitigate risk.