The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana stands as a ray of hope and empowerment for millions of young girls across India.

Launched on 22nd January 2015, as part of the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, this scheme weaves together the threads of financial security and social empowerment. This year 22nd January, marked the 10 years of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana encouraging families to invest in the bright futures of their daughters, fostering a culture of inclusion and progress.

Read in Hindi: बेटियों के सशक्तिकरण की मशाल बन गई है सुकन्या समृद्धि योजना

As a testament to its impact, over 4.1 crore Sukanya Samriddhi accounts have been opened as of November 2024, symbolizing not just a number, but a movement towards building an equitable and promising tomorrow for every girl child in India. Through this initiative, the nation celebrates the immense potential of its daughters, reaffirming the belief that empowering one girl strengthens the foundation of society.

The guardian can open the account immediately after the birth of the girl child till she attains the age of 10 years. Any girl child who is a resident Indian from the time of opening the account till the time of maturity/closure is eligible for the scheme. Only one account is allowed per child. Parents can open a maximum of two accounts for each of their children. However, there is an exception allowed for more accounts in the case of twins or triplets. The account can be transferred to anywhere in India.

The scheme allows parents to open a Sukanya Samriddhi account for girls at any post office or designated commercial bank branch, starting with a minimum initial deposit of ₹250, and subsequent deposits can be made in multiples of ₹50, provided that at least ₹250 is deposited in a financial year. The total annual deposit limit is capped at ₹1,50,000; any excess amount will not earn interest and will be returned. Deposits can be made for a period of up to fifteen years from the account opening date.

The account is managed by the guardian until the girl child reaches the age of eighteen. This allows the guardian to oversee the savings and ensure that the funds are utilized effectively for the child’s education and future needs. Upon turning eighteen, the account holder can take control of the account herself by submitting the necessary documents.

Interest is calculated monthly based on the lowest balance in the account between the close of the fifth day and the end of the month. At the end of each financial year, this interest is credited to the account, with any fractional amounts rounded to the nearest rupee: amounts of fifty paise or more are rounded up, while lesser amounts are disregarded. Notably, the interest is credited at the end of the financial year regardless of any changes in the accounting office due to transfers, ensuring that the financial growth for the girl child remains consistent and secure.

The account matures upon the completion of twenty-one years of the account holder from its opening date. However, early closure is permitted under specific circumstances, particularly if the account holder intends to marry before reaching maturity. In such cases, the account holder must apply along with a declaration on non-judicial stamp paper, duly attested by a notary, and provide proof of age confirming that they will be at least eighteen years old on the marriage date. Importantly, this early closure can only occur within a one-month window before the intended marriage and must be completed within three months post-marriage. Upon approval, the account holder can submit an application form to receive the outstanding balance along with applicable interest, ensuring access to funds when needed.

An account holder can apply for a withdrawal of up to fifty per cent of the balance at the end of the preceding financial year, specifically for educational purposes. This withdrawal is permissible only after the account holder turns eighteen or completes the tenth standard, whichever comes first. To initiate this process, the account holder must apply along with supporting documentation, such as a confirmed offer of admission or a fee slip from the educational institution detailing the financial requirements. Withdrawals can be made either as a lump sum or in instalments, with a maximum of one withdrawal per year for up to five years, always ensuring that the amount does not exceed the actual charges as outlined in the admission offer or fee slip.

In the unfortunate event of the account holder's death, the account can be closed immediately upon application along with the death certificate issued by the competent authority. The remaining balance and accrued interest until the date of death will be paid to the guardian. Additionally, interest for the period between the account holder's death and the account's closure will be calculated at the rate applicable to Post Office Savings Accounts. Furthermore, in cases of extreme compassionate grounds, such as the account holder facing life-threatening medical issues or the death of the guardian, the accounts office may allow premature closure after thorough documentation is provided. However, it is important to note that no premature closure can occur within the first five years of opening the account.

Overall, by fostering financial discipline among families and prioritizing education and empowerment, the scheme has emerged as a powerful catalyst for social progress. The steady growth in account openings reflects the growing awareness and acceptance of this visionary program. As the nation continues its journey towards gender equity and inclusion, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana ensures that every girl has the opportunity to dream, achieve, and thrive in a supportive and empowered environment.