The central government launched the 'Sukanya Samriddhi Account' programme in January 2015 with an objective to promote the welfare of girl child. According to india.gov.in, 'Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna' is a small deposit scheme for girl child. Recently, the minimum deposit for this account has been slashed to Rs 250 from existing Rs. 1,000. This means that customers need to make a minimum annual deposit of only Rs 250 in this account now. A natural/ legal guardian on behalf of a girl child can open 'Sukanya Samriddhi Account'.
Maximum number of accounts
A parent or guardian can open one account per girl child, and a maximum of two such bank accounts in the name of two girl children under Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, said a release issued by Press Information Bureau (PIB). In case of twin girls as second birth, or if the first birth itself results in the birth of three girl children, three bank accounts can be opened in the name of three girl children, the release further said.
Interest on deposit
The interest rate on Sukanya Samriddhi accounts has been fixed at 8.1 per cent per annum for the September quarter. This rate, however, is revised every year by the government and is announced at the time of the Union Budget.
Tenure of the deposit
The account is valid for 21 years from the date of opening, after which it will mature and the money will be paid to the girl child in whose name the account had been opened. If the account is not closed after maturity, the balance amount will continue to earn interest as specified for the scheme from time to time. The account will also automatically close if the girl child gets married before the completion of the tenure of 21 years.
Maximum period up to which deposits can be made
Deposits can be made up to 14 years from the date of opening of the account. After this period the account will only earn interest as per applicable rates.
Withdrawal
Withdrawing money before the completion of the maturity period of 21 years - can only be made by the girl child in whose name the account has been opened after she attains the age of 18 years. 50 per cent of the balance lying in the account can be withdrawn at the end of previous financial year for the purpose of higher education or marriage.
Tax rebate
Tax exemption, as applicable under section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 is one of the greatest advantages of the Sukanya Samriddhi Account programme. In the latest Finance Bill, the scheme has been extended Triple exempt benefits i.e. there will be no tax on the amount invested, amount earned as interest and amount withdrawn.
Premature Closure
The account can be prematurely closed only under two circumstances. In case of the unfortunate death of the girl child (account holder), the parent or legal guardian can claim for the accumulated amount along with the interest accrued on the account. The balance would be immediately handed over to the nominee of the account.
The second condition under which the account can be prematurely closed is when the competent authorities feel and confirm that it is not possible for the depositor to carry forward the account or the contributions made towards the account are causing undue hardships to the depositor. There is no third condition under which the account can be closed, as mentioned in PIB's release.
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