The Government of India’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign completed 11 years on 22nd January. It is noteworthy that the campaign was launched on 22 January 2015. Its aim to prevent gender-based selection, ensure the survival and safety of the girl child, and promote her education. It is a 100% centrally funded scheme being implemented in all districts across the country. In the same spirit, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana has also been implemented for the welfare of girl child.

Postmaster General, North Gujarat Region, Ahmedabad, Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav, said that the 'Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana' is playing a significant role in the empowerment of girl child. Under this scheme, account can be opened in the Post Office with a minimum of ₹250 for girl child up to 10 years of age. The scheme offers an interest rate of 8.2%, which is higher than any other small savings scheme. This SSA account serves as a boon for the education and marriage of girls. A minimum deposit of ₹250 and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh can be deposited in this account in a financial year. In this scheme, deposits need to be made only up to 15 years from the account opening date. When the girl attains the age of 18 years, 50% of the deposited amount can be withdrawn, and the entire amount can be withdrawn after 21 years from the date of opening the account.

Further, Postmaster General Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav added that 4.90 lakh Sukanya Samriddhi accounts have been opened for girl child in the Post Offices of the North Gujarat Region, with total deposits exceeding ₹2100 crore. Across the entire Gujarat Postal Circle, nearly 16.35 lakh Sukanya Samriddhi accounts have been opened for girl child, with total deposits of more than ₹6600 Crore. Through various campaigns, including Dak Chaupals in villages and in schools, all eligible girl child are being included in the scheme. In North Gujarat, 1015 villages have been declared as "Sampoorna Sukanya Samriddhi Gram." In these villages, Sukanya accounts have been opened for all eligible girl child up to the age of 10 in the Post Offices. Furthermore, if a girl is born in any of these villages, the postman and Gramin Dak Sevaks quickly visit the household to facilitate the opening of a Sukanya Samriddhi account for the new born girl child.

Postmaster General, Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav, said that the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is not just a means of investment, but is also closely linked to the bright and prosperous future of girl child. The economic as well as social dimensions of this scheme are significant. The deposited amount in this scheme will be entirely for the girls, to be used for their education, career, and marriage. This scheme, through the empowerment of girl child, will also promote women’s empowerment and the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat in the future.

Senior Superintendent of Post Offices Sh. Chirag Mehta told that to open a Sukanya Samriddhi account, one can visit the nearest Post Office with copy of the girl's birth certificate and Aadhaar Card along with Aadhaar and PAN card copies of her mother or father, and two photographs. Under Section 80C of Income Tax, there is also a provision of exemption of up to 1.5 lakhs in income tax in this account.

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