Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
The
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a small savings scheme backed by the
Government of India exclusively for the girl child. As a per this scheme, a
parent or legal guardian can open an account in the name of the girl child
until she attains the age of ten years. The scheme is aimed at encouraging the
parents or guardians to build a fund for the future education and marriage
expenses of their female child. It is part of “Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao”
initiative of the Government of India, also known as BBB.
It is
commendable that the government is taking steps to change the mindset of people
towards the girl child. The SSY account can be opened in post offices and some
specifically designated banks. An SSY account also offers income tax benefits
by way of deduction under Section 80C up to Rs 1.5 lakh along with a higher
interest rate compared to other small savings schemes.
Who
can open an SSY account?
An SSY
account can be opened by the natural or legal guardian in the name of a girl
child from the birth of the girl child till she attains the age of 10 years.
The account can be opened by a depositor only in the name of the girl child. A
natural or legal guardian of a girl child is allowed to open two accounts for
up to two girls. One can open a third account in the name of a girl child in a
scenario of birth of twin girls, as second birth, or if the first birth itself
results into three girl children.
Key features of SSY account
·
The
interest rate offered on an SSY account is 8.1 per cent on a yearly basis.
·
Minimum
deposit in SSY account is Rs 1,000
·
The
maximum amount that can be deposited in a year is Rs. 1.5 lakh per SSY account.
·
There
is no limit to the number of deposits either in a month or in a financial year.
·
An
annual deposit of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh qualifies for tax benefit under Section
80C.
·
On
can continue to deposit in the account till the completion of 14 years starting
from the date of opening of the account
·
Account
matures after completion of tenure of 21 years and balance in SSY including
interest is paid to the girl child on submitting an application and proof of
identity, residence and citizenship documents
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