The National Housing Bank (NHB) has launched three fixed-deposit schemes - NHB Sunidhi, NHB tax saving Suvrigdhi and Sumeru zero-coupon bonds.

The housing regulator offers interest rate up to 9.25% under the fixed deposit schemes started by it. This rate is relatively higher than the interest rate offered by most banks on their fixed deposits. The apex body initiates such schemes in order to mop up resources for its business activities.

In a press release, HNB stated: "The funds mobilized would be used by the NHB for its business activities."

The NHB Sunidhi term-deposit scheme would enable depositors to earn an interest rate of 9.25% for one year and 9% for up to five years.

Under the NHB tax saving Suvrigdhi scheme, which is aimed to save the taxes, investors will get 8.75% interest but the deposits need to be parked for five years.

The third scheme launched by NHB is Sumeru zero-coupon bonds. These bonds would be sold at a discount at Rs 4,360 with a face value of Rs 10,000 that the holder will get on completion of the maturity period. The tenure for these bonds is 10years.