Click Here for old Websitenext_arrow
close_icon
Home / Glossary / Saving Schemes / Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

Introduction

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a savings scheme launched by the Government of India as a part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign. This scheme aims to secure the financial future of girl children in India by encouraging parents to save for their education and marriage expenses. In this detailed guide, we will explore the features, benefits, eligibility criteria, and process of investing in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.

What is Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government-backed small savings scheme specifically designed for the girl child. It offers attractive interest rates, and tax benefits, and ensures financial security for the future. The scheme allows parents or legal guardians to open an account in the name of a girl child and contribute towards it until she turns 21 years old.

Key Features of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

1. Eligibility

  • The account is eligible for opening in the name of a girl child under the age of 10.
  • Only one account per girl child is allowed.

2. Deposit Limits

  • The minimum deposit amount is Rs. 250 per year.
  • The maximum deposit amount is Rs. 1.5 lakh per year.
  • Deposits can be made in multiples of Rs. 50.

3. Interest Rate

  • The interest rate is subject to periodic revisions by the government. As of now, it stands at 7.6% per annum (compounded annually).

4. Tenure

  • The account matures 21 years from the opening date or upon the girl’s marriage after she turns 18.
  • Contributions are required for the first 15 years, post which the account continues to earn interest till maturity.

5. Tax Benefits

  • Deposits made under the SSY scheme are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

6. Withdrawal

  • Partial withdrawal of up to 50% of the account balance is allowed for higher education expenses after the girl turns 18 or has completed 10th standard.

7. Premature Closure

  • Premature closure is allowed in specific cases such as the death of the account holder or extreme financial hardship.

Benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

1. High Interest Rate

SSY offers one of the highest interest rates among small savings schemes, ensuring significant growth of the corpus over time.

2. Tax Savings

The scheme provides tax benefits under Section 80C, making it an attractive investment option for tax planning.

3. Financial Security

SSY ensures financial security for the girl child’s future, covering expenses related to education and marriage.

4. Government Backing

As a government-backed scheme, SSY is safe and reliable, with guaranteed returns.

5. Flexible Deposits

The scheme allows flexible deposits, making it accessible to a wide range of investors with varying financial capacities.

How to Open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Account

1. Visit a Bank or Post Office

You can open an SSY account at any authorized bank or post office. Both public and private sector banks are authorized to open SSY accounts.

2. Fill the Application Form

Complete the SSY account opening form available at the bank or post office. The form can also be downloaded online.

3. Submit Required Documents

Submit the following documents along with the application form:

  • Birth certificate of the girl child
  • Identity proof of the guardian/parent (Aadhar card, PAN card, etc.)
  • Address proof of the guardian/parent (Utility bills, Passport, etc.)
  • Passport-sized photographs

4. Make the Initial Deposit

Deposit a minimum of Rs. 250 to open the account. The deposit can be made in cash, cheque, or DD.

5. Receive the Passbook

Once you open the account, they will issue a passbook containing your account details and transaction history.

Managing Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Account Online

1. Online Deposits

Many banks offer the facility to make online deposits into the SSY account through net banking or mobile banking.

2. Account Statements

Account holders can view and download account statements online, providing an easy way to track contributions and interest earned.

3. E-Passbook

Some banks provide an e-passbook facility where account holders can view the passbook details online.

Importance of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

1. Promotes Saving

SSY promotes the habit of saving among parents for the long-term financial security of their girl child.

2. Supports Education

The scheme ensures that funds are available for the higher education of the girl child, promoting her academic growth.

3. Empowers Women

By securing the financial future of girls, SSY contributes to the overall empowerment and upliftment of women in society.

Conclusion

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is an excellent savings scheme that secures the financial future of a girl child in India. With its attractive interest rates, tax benefits, and government backing, SSY provides a safe and reliable investment option for parents and guardians. By understanding the features, benefits, and operational aspects of the SSY scheme, investors can make informed decisions to ensure the financial well-being of their daughters, promoting their education and empowerment in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum and maximum deposit amount for SSY?

The minimum deposit amount is Rs. 250 per year, and the maximum deposit amount is Rs. 1.5 lakh per year.

Can NRIs invest in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?

No, only Indian residents are eligible to open an SSY account.

Is the interest earned on SSY taxable?

No, the interest earned on SSY is tax-free.

What happens if the minimum deposit is made after a year?

If the minimum deposit of Rs. 250 is made in a year, the account will become active. It can be revived by paying a penalty of Rs 50 per year along with the minimum required deposit.

Can the SSY account be transferred?

Yes, the SSY account can be transferred from one bank or post office to another anywhere in India.

What is the tenure of the SSY account?

The SSY account matures after 21 years from the date of opening or upon the marriage of the girl child after she turns 18.

Is premature closure of the SSY account allowed?

Yes, premature closure is allowed in specific cases such as the death of the account holder or extreme financial hardship.

Explore our feature-rich web trading platform

Get the link to download the App

trading_platform