Ludhiana, December 5 The Ludhiana Postal Department has started a special drive for opening Sukanya Samriddhi accounts anytime between the birth of a girl child and the time she attains 10 years age by parents/guardian, in post offices with an initial deposit of Rs 250 only. The campaign will run till December 21. As per the release issued by the Postal Department, it states that Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana was launched by the Centre in 2015 with the aim of bringing about an overall positive change in the mindset of society and to end discrimination against the girl child as a part of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. Despite being a small-saving scheme, this account has the potential to have a phenomenal impact on the lives and self-esteem of young girls in the country by ensuring a bright future for the girl children by facilitating their education and marriage expenses and this social responsibility has been assigned to the Postal Department. A maximum amount of Rs 1,50,000 can be deposited by cheque, demand draft or by cash during one financial year. The duration for deposits in this account is 15 years and the account will be matured after 21 years or at marriage of girl child (whichever is earlier). Apart from this, a 50 per cent withdrawal is allowed by girl children after 18 years for higher educational purposes. From October of current financial year, the rate of interest is fixed at 8.4 per cent. Rebate is also allowed on deposits in SSA account under Section 80 C on income tax. Special camps will be organised in schools and anganwadis to open Sukanya Samriddhi accounts of uncovered girl child. The department has tied up with the Child Development and Social Security Department of the Punjab Government for organising camps in anganwadis and for coverage of maximum number of girl child under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana scheme.

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