(a) the salient features of BalikaSamriddhi / Small Saving Scheme for girls;
(b) the details of funds allocated and utilized by the States/UTs/thereunder during the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise
(c) whether the Government proposes to allocate additional funds under the said scheme; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI MANEKA SANJAY GANDHI)
(a) to (d): BalikaSamridhiYojana has been discontinued from Eleventh Plan onwards and at present the scheme is not in existence either as Central Scheme or Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Government of India has, however in July, 2014 in the budget session for the year 2014-15, announced that a special small savings instrument to cater to the requirements of educating and marriage of the Girl Child will be introduced. Ministry of Finance has notified SukanyaSamridhi Account Rules, 2014 on 2.12.2014. ‘Sukanya Samriddhi Account’ is a new small savings instrument for the girl child, which can be opened in banks and post offices and could be operated by her natural or legal guardian till she attains the age of 10 years, after which she herself can operate it.