Should I continue with Franklin India Taxshield?

I am investing Rs 5,000 every month in Franklin Templeton Taxshield. It is going down these days. Can you tell me whether it is good for long term investment?
--Santosh Reddy

You are investing in an Equity Linked Saving Scheme (ELSS) or tax-saving mutual fund scheme. Investments in these schemes help you to save taxes of up to Rs 1.5 lakh under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. ELSS funds come with a mandatory lock-in period of three years. That means you cannot exit your investments before the completion of mandatory lock-in period of three years.

Franklin India Taxshield is a conservative ELSS fund with a good long-term record. The scheme offers good downside protection. You may continue with the scheme if you are looking for a conservative scheme that would offer your good downside protection and offer good returns over a long period.