India’s Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana celebrates 11 years, emerging as a cornerstone of girl child welfare since its inception on January 22, 2015, alongside the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao drive. This government-backed deposit scheme, offering 8.2% interest with principal guarantee, has amassed ₹3.33 lakh crore in 4.53 crore accounts nationwide.
Eligible from birth to age 10, accounts can be initiated at authorized post offices or banks. Family rules cap at two accounts per household, with exceptions for multiples via affidavits. Parental oversight until 18 ensures funds target education and marriage, transitioning seamlessly to the beneficiary thereafter.
Beyond savings, SSY instills financial literacy and confidence in young girls, aligning with broader empowerment goals. Its portability across India makes it ideal for relocating families, while quarterly interest credits maximize growth.
The parallel Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targets declining child sex ratios, enhances female enrollment in schools, and challenges deep-rooted biases. Collaborative efforts across ministries have yielded tangible progress in gender equity.
With impressive scale and impact, SSY not only safeguards futures but also cultivates a generation of empowered women. As participation surges, the scheme reinforces India’s commitment to inclusive growth, proving small savings can yield transformative societal change.
