India, Jan. 21 -- The Government of India has issued a release:

Key Takeaways

DID YOU KNOW?

What is SSY account and who can open it?

DID YOU KNOW?

When the account holder intends to marry before the account reaches maturity

In the event of the account holder's death

The scheme provides an attractive interest rate, which is periodically notified by the Ministry of Finance, helping savings grow steadily over time.

· The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana was launched on 22 January 2015 under the Government's Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign.

The current interest rate in the SSY scheme of 8.2%[1] per annum is among the highest for savings instruments dedicated to daughters!

Total deposits in SSY accounts have crossed Rs. 3,33,000 crore! (December 2025)

· It is a small savings scheme notified by the Government of India, under which deposits earn interest at rates notified by the Government from time to time and the amounts are payable in accordance with the Scheme rules. Currently, interest rate under SSY is 8.2%.

Deposit range is large, with a minimum annual contribution of Rs.250 and a maximum of Rs.1.5 lakh. Besides, partial withdrawal facility can be availed.

· Since inception, over 4.53 crore accounts have opened and total deposits amount to more than Rs.3.33 lakh crores (as of December 2025).

Even if the account is not closed at maturity, it continues to earn interest at the rate applicable to Post Office Savings account.

Empowering Daughters: The Vision Behind Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) shines as a powerful symbol of hope and empowerment for millions of young girls across India, reflecting the Government's deep-rooted commitment to nurturing their dreams and securing their futures. Launched on 22 January 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, the scheme was envisioned as more than just a savings initiative. It was designed as a bridge between financial security and social transformation. By encouraging families to plan early for their daughters' education and well-being, SSY has helped instill a sense of confidence, inclusion, and long-term progress at the grassroots level.

As the SSY completes 11 years on 22 January 2026, it stands as a testament to the collective faith of millions of families in the promise of their daughters. Since inception, over 4.53 crore accounts have opened. Each account tells a story of belief in a girl child's potential, reinforcing the idea that empowering one girl strengthens families, communities, and ultimately the nation itself- making SSY a nationwide movement towards equality and opportunity.

Securing the Future of Girls: How Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Works

The SSY Scheme is a low-risk deposit scheme with the Government guaranteeing the principal amount and the interest payment as per the rates decided each quarter and paid annually.

The scheme carries both economic and social significance, it is not merely a financial investment, but a catalyst for securing a bright and prosperous future for the girl child. It is meant to meet the education and marriage expenses of a girl child. By advancing her education, financial security, and agency, the initiative strengthens women's empowerment and contributes to the vision of an Atmanirbhar in the future.

A SSY account is an account that holds the funds deposited towards the SSY scheme. Parents or legal guardians can open an account for their Indian girl child at any India Post office or branch of any Public Sector Bank and authorised Private Sector Banks (HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank and IDBI Bank).

Notably, the account is managed by the parent/ 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.

Which documents are required for opening an account?

To open a SSY account, four key documents are required-

How much deposit is required for SSY account?

Parents and guardians can start with a minimum initial deposit of Rs.250 in the SSY account, and subsequent deposits can be made in multiples of Rs.50, provided that at least Rs.250 is deposited in a financial year. The total annual deposit limit is capped at Rs.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.

How is interest calculation done?

Calculated every month, the interest is added to the account at the end of each financial year. Even if the account is transferred to another bank or post office during the year, the interest is still credited at the end of the financial year, ensuring steady and secure growth of the savings for the girl child.

How does one withdraw money from the SSY account?

An account holder may withdraw up to 50% of the balance available at the end of the preceding financial year for educational purposes. This facility becomes available once the account holder attains the age of eighteen or passes the tenth standard, whichever occurs earlier. To apply, the account holder must submit a formal application supported by relevant documents, such as a confirmed admission offer or a fee slip issued by the educational institution specifying the required expenses.

The withdrawal may be taken either as a lump sum or in installments, subject to a maximum of one withdrawal per year for a period of up to five years. In all cases, the withdrawn amount must not exceed the actual fees and charges indicated in the submitted documents.

When does the SSY account mature? Can one close it early?

The SSY account matures upon the completion of twenty-one years of its opening date. Early closure of the account is allowed only under specific conditions:

However, premature closure is not permitted within the first five years from the date of account opening.

Why Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Is a Smart Choice for the Girl Child

A renowned government-backed savings scheme, the SSY is aimed at building long-term financial security for the girl child by offering high returns, tax benefits, and flexible withdrawal options for education and future needs. It offers several benefits designed to secure the financial future of a girl child-

A Scheme That Grows with Her

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana stands as a meaningful step toward building a secure and empowered future for girls in India. By encouraging long-term savings and placing education and financial independence at the forefront, the scheme promotes both economic responsibility within families and broader social progress.

The consistent rise in account adoption highlights the growing trust in and impact of this initiative. As India advances toward greater gender equality and inclusion, SSY plays a vital role in ensuring that every girl is supported with the resources and confidence she needs to grow, succeed, and realize her full potential.

References

Ministry of Finance

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2094807®3&lang2#:~:textMaturity%20of%20the%20account,access%20to%20funds%20when%20needed.

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID1778546®3&lang2

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID1990745®3&lang2

https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2022/jan/doc20221207101.pdf

Prime Minister's Office

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID2191605®3&lang1

Directorate of Small Savings, Govt. of Assam

https://smallsavings.assam.gov.in/portlets/take-care-with-sukanya-samriddhi-account

https://finance.assam.gov.in/portlets/sukanya-samriddhi-for-your-girl-child

Government of Uttar Pradesh, Moradabad Division

https://moradabaddivision.nic.in/scheme/sukanya-samriddhi-yojana/

Sansad.in

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/178/AU767.pdf?sourcepqals

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU3747_MIzukL.pdf?sourcepqals

mygov.in

https://transformingindia.mygov.in/scheme/sukanya-samriddhi-yojana/#intro

State Bank of India

https://www.sbisecurities.in/calculators/sukanya-samriddhi-yojana

https://sbi.bank.in/web/personal-banking/investments-deposits/govt-schemes/sukanya-samriddhi-yojana

Others

https://www.ibef.org/news/over-us-36-72-billion-deposited-in-banks-under-sukanya-samriddhi-scheme-prime-minister-mr-narendra-modi

Click here for pdf file.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.