- 11 Years of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Gujarat Emerges as a National Torchbearer
- 35 Lakh Sukanya Accounts, ₹6,600+ Crore Deposits Mark a Landmark Feat
- North Gujarat Leads from the Front with ‘Sampoorna Sukanya Samriddhi Grams’
- From Doorstep Banking to Financial Security for the Girl Child
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JAN 22
As the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign completes 11 years on January 22, Gujarat Postal Circle has emerged as a standout performer in translating the national vision of girl child empowerment into measurable outcomes—through the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY).
Across Gujarat, nearly 16.35 lakh Sukanya Samriddhi accounts have been opened in Post Offices, mobilising deposits exceeding ₹6,600 crore, making the state one of the strongest contributors to the scheme’s nationwide success.
Launched on January 22, 2015, the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign aims to prevent gender-based selection, ensure survival and safety of the girl child, and promote education. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana has become a crucial financial pillar supporting this mission.
“A Boon for Education and Marriage”
Speaking on the impact of the scheme, Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region Krishna Kumar Yadav said: “The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is playing a significant role in the empowerment of the girl child. This SSA account serves as a boon for the education and marriage of girls.”
He explained that an SSY account can be opened in a Post Office with a minimum deposit of ₹250 for a girl child up to the age of 10. The scheme currently offers an interest rate of 8.2%, the highest among small savings schemes.
“A minimum of ₹250 and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh can be deposited in a financial year. Deposits are required only for 15 years. When the girl attains 18 years, 50% of the amount can be withdrawn, and the full amount after 21 years,” he added.
North Gujarat’s Model of Inclusion
Highlighting regional performance, Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region Krishna Kumar Yadav said: “In the North Gujarat Region alone, 4.90 lakh Sukanya Samriddhi accounts have been opened, with deposits exceeding ₹2,100 crore.”
He further noted that 1,015 villages in North Gujarat have been declared ‘Sampoorna Sukanya Samriddhi Grams’, where accounts have been opened for all eligible girl children up to the age of 10.
“If a girl is born in any of these villages, the postman and Gramin Dak Sevaks visit the household to facilitate opening of a Sukanya Samriddhi account for the newborn girl child,” he said.
More Than an Investment Instrument
Underlining the broader social impact, Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region Krishna Kumar Yadav said: “The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is not just a means of investment. It is closely linked to the bright and prosperous future of the girl child. The amount deposited is entirely for the girl’s education, career and marriage.”
“Through empowerment of the girl child, the scheme will also strengthen women’s empowerment and contribute to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he added.
Simple Process, Strong Tax Benefits
Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Ahmedabad Chirag Mehta explained the process of opening an account: “To open a Sukanya Samriddhi account, one can visit the nearest Post Office with a copy of the girl’s birth certificate, Aadhaar card, Aadhaar and PAN cards of either parent, and two photographs.”
He also highlighted that:
“Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, deposits of up to ₹1.5 lakh in this account are eligible for tax exemption.”
