Understanding Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
The government launched the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) as a fixed-income investment scheme to secure the future of girl children in India. Under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, SSY Interest Rate encourages parents to invest in their daughter’s education and marriage expenses while providing attractive interest rates and tax benefits.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Interest Rate 2025
The government is expected to announce the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana interest rate for 2025 on a quarterly basis. The SSY interest rate typically varies based on economic conditions and government policies. You can check the latest interest rate for the scheme on the official website of the Ministry of Finance or the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Interest Rate 2024-25
For the financial year 2024-25, the government has set the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana interest rate at 8.2% per annum, compounding it annually. Banks credit the interest at the end of each financial year and calculate it based on the lowest balance between the 5th and the last day of the month.
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Features of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
- High Interest Rate: SSY offers one of the highest interest rates among small savings schemes.
- Minimum & Maximum Deposit: The minimum deposit amount is Rs. 250 per year, while the maximum is Rs. 1.5 lakh per year.
- Lock-in Period: The SSY account matures after 21 years from the date of opening.
- Partial Withdrawal: Allowed after the girl child attains 18 years of higher education or marriage.
- Tax Benefits: SSY falls under the EEE scheme (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt), meaning the principal amount, interest earned, and maturity amount are all tax-free under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
- Transferability: The account holder can transfer the account anywhere in India upon relocating to a different city or state.
Sukanya Samriddhi Account Interest Rate Calculation
The system calculates interest on SSY based on the minimum balance in the account between the 5th and the last day of each month and compounds it annually. The online SSY calculator helps investors estimate their returns over the long term.
Situations When Sukanya Samriddhi Interest Rate is Not Payable
- If the SSY account becomes inactive due to non-deposit of the minimum amount.
- If the account holder requests premature closure for reasons other than the girl’s death or medical emergencies.
- If the account is continued beyond the maturity period of 21 years.
Tax Implications on Sukanya Samriddhi Account Interest Rate
Tax Benefits Under SSY
- Investments in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana qualify for a tax deduction under Section 80C, up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per year.
- The interest earned and the maturity amount are completely tax-free under the EEE scheme.
- Premature withdrawals made for higher education or marriage do not attract any tax.
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How to Open a Sukanya Samriddhi Account
Steps to Open a Sukanya Samriddhi Account:
- Visit a Bank/Post Office: The SSY account can be opened at an authorized bank or India Post Office.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Provide details of the girl child and the guardian.
- Submit Required Documents:
- Birth Certificate of the girl child.
- ID proof and address proof of the guardian.
- Passport-size photographs.
- Deposit the Minimum Amount: Make an initial deposit of Rs. 250 or more.
- Receive the Passbook: A passbook will be issued as proof of investment.
Loan Against SSY Account
Currently, no loan facility is available against an SSY account. The scheme is purely a savings initiative for the financial security of a girl child and does not offer any loan facility.
Conclusion
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is one of the most effective and rewarding savings schemes for parents planning for their daughter’s future. With an attractive interest rate of 8.2% for 2024-25, tax benefits under Section 80C, and a structured maturity plan, SSY remains a preferred investment option. While the government revises interest rates periodically, its EEE tax status and high compounding benefits make it a must-have for long-term financial planning. Parents should regularly check the official notifications for the latest interest rate updates and maximize their savings under this tax-saving investment scheme.