Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Get Rs 70 Lakh! What is its Real Value Today After Inflation? See the Complete Calculation

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), under the central government’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative, is an excellent investment option to secure a girl child’s future. The scheme currently offers an interest rate of 8.2 per cent, along with safe returns and tax benefits. But when the maturity amount reaches around Rs 70 lakh after 21 years, what will its real value be? Let’s find out in detail.

This scheme is specifically designed to meet the future financial needs of your daughter, such as her education and marriage. While Rs 70 lakh sounds like a huge amount today, inflation over the next two decades will affect its purchasing power. Assuming an average annual inflation rate of 6%, the value of Rs 70 lakh in 2046 will be equivalent to roughly Rs 20-22 lakh in today’s terms.

Key Features of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

This government scheme has some important features that make it attractive to parents.

• Account Opening Eligibility: An account can be opened for a girl child aged 10 or below.
• Minimum and Maximum Deposit: A minimum of Rs 250 and a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh can be deposited annually.
• Deposit Period: Deposits can be made for 15 years from the date of opening the account.
• Maturity: The account matures in 21 years from the date of opening.
• Premature Closure: If the girl gets married before the age of 21, the account will be closed.

Account and Guardian Rules

There are some specific rules for opening and managing an SSY account that are important to know.

• Account Limitations: Only one SSY account can be opened per girl child. A family can open a maximum of two accounts for two different girl children. However, in special cases like twins or triplets, more than two accounts are permitted as per the rules.
• Keeping the Account Active: To keep the account active, a minimum deposit of Rs 250 is required every financial year. Failure to do so will result in the account being defaulted. A defaulted account can be reactivated by paying the minimum amount of Rs 250 plus a penalty of Rs 50 for each year of default.
• Guardian Rules: According to a recent Department of Posts circular (dated August 21, 2024), only legal guardians or natural parents are allowed to manage the account.

How Will the Fund Accrue to Rs 70 Lakh?

Assuming your daughter is 5 years old and you start investing Rs 1.5 lakh every year, your total investment over 15 years will be Rs 22,50,000. Based on the current interest rate of 8.2% (which is subject to change), this amount will grow to approximately Rs 70 lakh in 21 years, by 2042. Although inflation is a significant factor, SSY is still considered a safe and reliable investment for your daughter’s future.