New Delhi: The Centre in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has decided to issue second tranche of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB).

Applications for the bonds will be accepted from January 18-22, and the bonds will be issued on February 8.

The Bonds will be sold through banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL) and designated post offices. The borrowing through issuance of the bond will form part of market borrowing programme of the Centre.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced in his last budget about developing a financial asset, Sovereign Gold Bond, as an alternative to purchasing metal gold.

Accordingly, the first tranche was open for subscription from November 05, 2015 to November 20, 2015.