Every parent wants to give their daughter a bright and secure future. Education, higher studies, and marriage require a lot of money. To help parents prepare for these expenses, the Government of India started a savings scheme called Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. This scheme is designed especially for girls and offers guaranteed returns with tax benefits.
In this article, we will explain the complete details of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, including how it works, who can apply, interest rates, benefits, and how a small amount of ₹250 per month can grow into a fund of up to ₹69 lakh.
What is Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a government-backed small savings scheme for the welfare of the girl child. It allows parents or guardians to open an account in the name of their daughter and save money for her future needs.
- The scheme was launched in 2015.
- The account can be opened at post offices or authorized banks.
- Parents can deposit money for 15 years, and the account matures after 21 years.
- The scheme currently offers an attractive interest rate of 8.2% per year (as of 2025).
Eligibility Criteria
To open an SSY account, the following conditions must be met:
- The girl child must be below 10 years of age.
- The account can only be opened by parents or legal guardians.
- Only two accounts are allowed per family (one for each girl child).
- A minimum deposit of ₹250 per year is required.
Investment Rules
- Minimum deposit: ₹250 per year.
- Maximum deposit: ₹1.5 lakh per year.
- Deposits can be made in lump sum or in installments.
- Deposits are allowed for 15 years from the date of opening the account.
- The account matures when the girl turns 21 years old.
Tax Benefits
One of the best parts of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is that it gives triple tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act:
- The money you invest is eligible for deduction (up to ₹1.5 lakh).
- The interest earned is completely tax-free.
- The maturity amount is also tax-free.
This makes SSY one of the most secure and profitable savings schemes for parents.
How ₹250 Can Become ₹69 Lakh
Many parents wonder how such a small amount can grow into a huge fund. Let’s understand with an example:
- If you deposit ₹12,500 per month (₹1.5 lakh per year) for 15 years, the total investment will be ₹22.5 lakh.
- With the current interest rate of 8.2%, this amount will grow into nearly ₹69 lakh at maturity.
Even if you start with smaller amounts, the compounding benefit of interest will help you build a good corpus for your daughter’s future.
Premature Withdrawal Facility
The scheme also allows partial withdrawals in special cases:
- Up to 50% of the balance can be withdrawn after the girl turns 18 years old for education expenses.
- The account can be closed early if the girl gets married after 18 years.
Why You Should Invest in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
- Secure and Guaranteed – Since this is a government scheme, your money is completely safe.
- High Returns – The interest rate of 8.2% is higher compared to fixed deposits or savings accounts.
- Tax-Free Growth – No tax on deposits, interest, or maturity.
- Future Planning for Daughter – Helps parents save for education, higher studies, or marriage.
- Flexible Investment – You can start with as little as ₹250 per year.
Step to Open SSY Account
- Visit your nearest post office or authorized bank branch.
- Fill out the SSY application form.
- Provide required documents like the girl’s birth certificate, identity proof, and address proof.
- Deposit the initial amount (minimum ₹250).
- The SSY account will be opened, and you will get a passbook.
Final Thoughts
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a golden opportunity for parents who want to secure their daughter’s future without taking financial stress. With guaranteed returns, tax benefits, and government security, this scheme stands out as one of the best long-term savings options.
Even a small contribution today can grow into a big fund tomorrow. By investing regularly, you can make sure that your daughter has enough money for her higher education, career, or marriage.
So, if you have a daughter under 10 years of age, open an SSY account today with just ₹250 and take the first step towards building a ₹69 lakh fund for her bright future.