Every year on January 24, National Girl Child Day is celebrated with the aim of honouring and recognising the potential of girls. It reminds us of the importance of girls in determining the future and the necessity of fostering their development and welfare.
Purpose of National Girl Child Day
National Girl Child Day was first introduced in India in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. This day's primary objectives are to address gender-based disparities and assure that girls have equal access to opportunities in fields including sports, education and nutrition. It also encourages initiatives to safeguard and empower girls for a better future and seeks to increase awareness of the problem of child labour.
As we observe the female child's empowerment, we must prioritise making early investments to secure her future. She can have access to possibilities for education, development and long-term success with the support of this financial foundation.
Key Investment Options for the Girl Child
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) allows parents or guardians to invest a minimum of Rs 250 and a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh annually for a girl child under the age of 10. It is a secure investment choice with guaranteed returns being a government-backed program. Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961, the account holder is also eligible to get tax deductions of up to Rs 1.5 lakh annually. The deposit remains valid for 21 years from the account’s opening date, providing long-term financial security for the girl child’s education and future needs.
NPS Vatsalya
The NPS Vatsalya scheme is a great way for parents to invest in their daughter's future. By contributing a minimum of Rs 1,000 each year, parents can establish a retirement fund that provides long-term funding stability. With the scheme's diverse investment options parents can select from a variety of asset classes. Tax benefits under Section 80C are also included. The account automatically changes to a regular NPS Tier 1 account when the daughter turns 18, assisting her in becoming financially independent in the future.
National Savings Certificate
The National Savings Certificate (NSC), a low-risk investment scheme supported by the government, is available at post offices across India. While the NSC is not specifically designed only for girls, it can certainly be used by parents to invest in their girl child’s future. The scheme offers a secure, long-term investment with a fixed tenure of 5 years. Section 80C of the Income Tax Act allows parents to invest a minimum of Rs 1,000 and earn tax advantages. The female child's education or other essential future needs can be covered by the funds gathered and returns.
Children Gift Mutual Fund
A Children Gift Mutual Fund is an investment scheme designed to save for a child’s future needs like education or marriage, with a mix of debt and equity investments for growth. This fund has a minimum 5-year lock-in period, encouraging disciplined, long-term saving. For parents of a girl child, it provides an opportunity to secure her financial future and support her milestones while aiming for potential returns.
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