On January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched a small
deposit scheme for the girl child, as part of the 'Beti Bachao Beti
Padhao' campaign. The deposits would fetch an interest rate of 9.1 per
cent and provide income tax rebate as well.
As per data available with the
Finance Ministry, 56,471 accounts have been opened in Karnataka,
followed by 43,362 accounts in Tamil Nadu and 15,877 accounts in Andhra
Pradesh.
However, Bihar accounted for the least number of accounts opened at
just 204, followed by Kerala (222) and West Bengal (334), the data
showed.
The National Capital saw 2,054 accounts being opened while 4,177 accounts were opened in Haryana and 7,620 in Uttar Pradesh.
As per the details of the scheme, 'Sukanya Samridhi Account' can be
opened at any time from the birth of a girl child till she attains the
age of 10 years, with a minimum deposit of Rs.1,000. A maximum of Rs.
1.5 lakh can be deposited during the financial year.
The account can be opened in any post office or authorised branche of commercial banks.
The account will remain operative for 21 years from the date of
opening of the account or marriage of the girl child after attaining 18
years of age.
To meet the requirement of higher education expenses, partial
withdrawal of 50 per cent of the balance would be allowed after the girl
child has attended 18 years of age.
Source : NDTV
