Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse reviewed the progress of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) on 7 February. Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) scheme is a small deposit scheme of the Government of India meant exclusively for a girl child.

Chief Medical Officer, Kargil, District Social Welfare Officer Kargil, Medical Superintendent DH Kargil, and sub-Postmaster Mohd Abass were present in the meeting.

DC Kargil instructed the concerned officers and officials of the Health, Education, and Social Welfare Department to ensure wide publicity of the scheme so that it reaches all eligible beneficiaries across the district. 

He also directed the Health Department to provide data of the girl children below the age of 10 years who are the target beneficiaries of the scheme to ensure better monitoring of the progress under the scheme. Further, he instructed that application forms should be available in all the ICDS centers as well as health institutions and primary schools across the district to ensure the saturation of the scheme.

While reviewing the progress of the scheme, DC Kargil reviewed the progress on number of accounts created under the scheme for the girl child. He also directed the Information Department Kargil for wide publicity of the scheme.

SSA is a government savings scheme created to benefit girl children under the initiative called “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”. The parent or guardian of the girl child who is 10 years of age or younger can open an account under this scheme. One can apply for SSY through Post Offices or the branches of Public Sector Banks and three Private Sector Banks viz. HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and ICICI Bank. The account can be opened by a parent or legal guardian of the girl child. The girl child must be below the age of 10 years. Only one account is allowed for a girl child.

SSY allows for flexible and affordable deposits, with a minimum yearly contribution of Rs. 250 and a maximum of Rs. 1.5 Lakh. This accessibility makes it feasible for people from all sections of society to invest in their girl child's future. The scheme permits partial withdrawals of up to 50% of the account balance at the end of the previous financial year to cover the educational expenses of the girl child. This benefit can be availed by providing proof of admission to an educational institution. SSY accounts offer a high rate of interest compared to other government-backed schemes.