National Girl Child Day 2026: Know Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) Account For Your Daughter; Earn 8.2% Rate

National Girl Child Day is celebrated in India every year on January 24 since 2008. The day is special to spread awareness of all the inequities faced by a girl child and to encourage empowerment for girls. On this special occasion, parents can also look out to secure their daughter's futures with risk-free and guarded investment. One such scheme is Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) account which is meant for the prosperity of your girl child.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana:

Launched on January 22, 2015 by the Indian government, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a small savings scheme that offers fixed interest rates on deposits made by parents or guardians for their girl child. The scheme was launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.

As per the latest notification, the Centre said, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) shines as a powerful symbol of hope and empowerment for millions of young girls across India, reflecting the Government's deep-rooted commitment to nurturing their dreams and securing their futures.

The scheme was envisioned as more than just a savings initiative. It was designed as a bridge between financial security and social transformation. By encouraging families to plan early for their daughters' education and well-being, SSY has helped instill a sense of confidence, inclusion, and long-term progress at the grassroots level.

Just recently on January 22, 2026, SSY scheme has marked its 11 years of existence. Since its inception, the scheme attracted over 4.53 crore accountholders and has witnessed deposits worth Rs 3.33 lakh crore by end of December 2025.

How To Open Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Account?

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a low-risk deposit scheme. Parents or legal guardians can open SSY account for their Indian girl child at any India Post office or branch of any Public Sector Bank and authorised Private Sector Banks (HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank and IDBI Bank).

However, it needs to be noted that the account can only be opened anytime from the birth of the girl child until she attains the age of 10 years. Only one SSY account is permitted per girl child, and a family can open accounts for a maximum of two girl children. But in cases of twins or triplets, more than two accounts can be opened after submitting an affidavit along with the relevant birth certificates.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Account Documents:

To open a SSY account, parents or legal guardians are required to submit the following documents:

- Sukanya Samriddhi Account Opening Form, available at banks/ post-office

- Birth certificate of girl child

-Aadhaar Number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India

- Permanent Account Number or Form 60 as defined in the Income Tax Rules

How Much To Invest In Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?

Parents or legal guardians can open a SSY account with as little as Rs 250 deposits. However, the maximum limit for deposits is of Rs 1.5 lakh per annum. These deposits can be made for a period of up to fifteen years from the account opening date.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Interest Rate:

Currently, SSY account offers an attractive interest rate of 8.2% on your deposits, which is far better than traditional fixed deposits scheme offered by banks amidst softer rate cycle. The interests are calculated every month and added to the account at the end of each financial year. Even if the account is transferred to another bank or post office during the year, the interest is still credited at the end of the financial year, ensuring steady and secure growth of the savings for the girl child.

How to withdraw money from the SSY account?

According to the guidelines, an account holder may withdraw up to 50% of the balance available at the end of the preceding financial year for educational purposes. This facility becomes available once the account holder attains the age of eighteen or passes the tenth standard, whichever occurs earlier. To apply, the account holder must submit a formal application supported by relevant documents, such as a confirmed admission offer or a fee slip issued by the educational institution specifying the required expenses.

Also, notably, the withdrawal may be taken either as a lump sum or in installments, subject to a maximum of one withdrawal per year for a period of up to five years. In all cases, the withdrawn amount must not exceed the actual fees and charges indicated in the submitted documents.

Sukanya Samriddhi Account; Tax Benefits

The scheme also offers tax benefits of up to Rs 1.5 lakh every year under section 80C of Income Tax Act. Additionally, interest earned in the account is free from Income Tax under Section -10.

National Girl Child 2026:

The National Girl Child Day is celebrated in India every year on January 24. It was initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Government of India, to spread public awareness about inequities that girls face in Indian society. The day is celebrated with organized programs including awareness campaigns about Save the Girl Child, child sex ratios, and the creation of a healthy and safe environment for girls. In 2019, the day was celebrated with the theme, 'Empowering Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow', as per Wikipedia.