Government securities refer to the marketable debt issued by the government of semi-government bodies. A government security is a claim on the government. It is a totally securer financial instrument ensuring safety of both capital and income. That is why it is called gilt-edged security or stock. Central Government securities are the safest  among  all securities.  Government securities are issues by:
- Central Government
- State Government
- Semi-Government authorities like local government authorities, e.g., city corporations and municipalities
- Autonomous institutions, such as metropolitan authorities, port trusts, development trusts, state electricity boards.
- Public Sector Corporations
- Other governmental agencies, such as SFCs, NABARD, LDBs, SIDCs, housing boards etc.