👧 Girl-child schemes · India
Government schemes for a girl child in India
The main one is Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) — a tax-free savings scheme for a girl under 10, earning 8.2% (revised quarterly). Note that Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is an awareness campaign, not a cash payout. Many states also run their own girl-child schemes.
- Official government sources
- Savings + state schemes
- Honest: BBBP isn't cash
- Reviewed July 2026
The landscape
Which schemes exist
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
A government-backed small-savings scheme to build a tax-advantaged corpus for a girl's education and marriage. Launched under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign.
National Savings Institute (Ministry of Finance) / India Post.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
An awareness and advocacy campaign to improve the child sex ratio and promote girls' education and protection. It is NOT a direct cash-transfer scheme to individuals — a common misconception.
Ministry of Women & Child Development.
State girl-child schemes
Many states run their own girl-child schemes (conditional cash, scholarships or savings bonds) with different names, amounts and eligibility. Check your state government / Women & Child Development portal for what applies where you live.
Respective State Government portals (vary by state).
Flagship scheme
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana at a glance
Who can open it
Girl under 10
A parent/guardian can open one account for a girl child any time before she turns 10. One account per girl; up to two girls per family (three in case of twins/triplets).
Deposit
₹250 – ₹1.5 lakh / year
Minimum ₹250 and maximum ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year. Deposits are made for 15 years from opening.
Interest rate
8.2% (Q-revised)
The interest rate is set by the government and revised every quarter — confirm the current rate before opening. Interest is compounded annually.
Maturity
21 years
The account matures 21 years from opening. Partial withdrawal (up to 50%) is allowed after the girl turns 18 for higher education; the account can also be closed for her marriage after 18.
Tax
EEE (80C)
Deposits qualify for deduction under Section 80C, and the interest and maturity amount are tax-free (exempt-exempt-exempt).
Where to open
Post office / bank
Open at any post office or authorised bank branch with the girl's birth certificate and the guardian's KYC documents.
The SSY interest rate is revised every quarter by the government — always confirm the current rate before opening. Source: National Savings Institute / India Post.
Step by step
How to open an SSY account
- 1
Confirm eligibility
The girl must be under 10 years old, and you should be her parent or legal guardian.
- 2
Gather documents
Girl's birth certificate, guardian's ID/address proof (Aadhaar, PAN) and a photograph.
- 3
Open the account
Visit any post office or authorised bank, fill the SSY form and make the opening deposit (minimum ₹250).
- 4
Confirm the current interest rate
Because the rate is revised quarterly, check the rate applicable for the current quarter before you deposit.
- 5
Keep depositing
Deposit any amount from ₹250 up to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year, for 15 years.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
What is the best government scheme for a girl child in India?
The flagship is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) — a government-backed savings scheme for a girl under 10, with a quarterly-revised interest rate (currently 8.2%), deposits of ₹250 to ₹1.5 lakh a year, and tax-free maturity after 21 years. Many states also run their own girl-child cash or scholarship schemes.
Does Beti Bachao Beti Padhao give money to parents?
No. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) is an awareness and advocacy campaign to improve the child sex ratio and promote girls' education — it is not a direct cash-transfer scheme. The savings benefit associated with the campaign is the separate Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.
What is the interest rate on Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?
It is currently 8.2%, but the government revises small-savings interest rates every quarter, so always confirm the rate for the current quarter before opening or depositing. Interest is compounded annually and the maturity amount is tax-free.
Until what age can I open an SSY account?
You can open a Sukanya Samriddhi account any time before the girl turns 10 years old. One account is allowed per girl, for up to two girls per family (three in the case of twins or triplets).
When can the SSY money be withdrawn?
The account matures 21 years after opening. Up to 50% can be withdrawn after the girl turns 18 for her higher education, and the account can be closed for her marriage after she turns 18.
Sources
Official sources
- Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme — National Savings Institute, Ministry of Finance
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana — India Post (savings schemes)
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao — Ministry of Women & Child Development
Related on ParentVibes
Educational information — confirm current details
This guide summarises publicly available girl-child schemes, reviewed against official sources on 19 July 2026. Interest rates, eligibility and state schemes change with government policy — the SSY rate in particular is revised every quarter, so always confirm the current details on the official portal before you act. It is not financial or legal advice. See our editorial policy.