Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Rs 71 Lakh After 21 Years - Is It Enough?

• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) was launched in January 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative to support girls' education and marriage.
• Parents or legal guardians can open an SSY account for a girl child under 10 years, with a minimum annual investment of Rs 250 and a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh.
• The scheme offers a current interest rate of 8.2%, with investments made for 15 years and maturity at 21 years or when the daughter turns 18 for withdrawals.
• Investing the maximum amount regularly can yield over Rs 71 lakh after 21 years, including Rs 49.32 lakh in interest and Rs 22.50 lakh invested.
• Despite the large maturity amount, inflation (5-6% annually) could reduce its real value to Rs 22-28 lakh in today's terms, urging families to consider future costs.

Why It Matters: SSY offers significant savings for girls' future, but inflation may reduce the real value of maturity funds.