The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme (MSSC), introduced by the Central Government’s Ministry of Finance via Gazette notification G.S.R.237(E) on March 31, 2023, is a two-year Government Savings Scheme designed to empower women financially.
Objectives and Eligibility
The MSSC program which was introduced with the main goal of encouraging women's financial inclusion and economic independence, is a crucial instrument for improving gender equality and women's empowerment throughout the country. It provides a flexible investment range of ₹1,000 to ₹2,00,000 along with a competitive interest rate of 7.5 per cent. Participants can withdraw up to 40% of their savings after one year, which is a key benefit of MSSC.
Eligibility Criteria
Only women are eligible for the program, however, guardians of younger girls may also take part on their behalf.
How to Apply for MSSC?
Step 1: Go to the post office branch that is nearest to you and collect Form I, the account opening form.
Step 2: Fill out the form and provide relevant KYC documents like an Aadhaar card, PAN, address proof, etc.
Step 4: Submit Form I by 31 March 2025 and complete the necessary cash or check deposit.
Step 5: The post office will provide a certificate verifying your MSSC account when the procedure is finished.
Documents Required
· Application form
· KYC documents, such as an Aadhaar card, Voter ID, driving license and PAN card
· KYC form for new account holders
· Pay-in-Slip along with deposit amount or cheque
These documents are necessary to verify your identity and address, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and facilitating the smooth processing of your Mahila Samman Savings Certificate account application.
Benefits
The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme offers various benefits for women:
Eligibility: Only women or girls under the age of eighteen may apply for the project. In the name of the beneficiary, any woman or a minor girl's legal guardian may create an MSSC account.
Government-Backed Scheme: The MSSC is a government-backed one-time modest savings plan that protects investors from credit risk.
Maturity Period: An MSSC account has a two-year maturity time. Stated otherwise, the account holder will get the maturity amount two years following the account opening date.
Deposit Amount: Under the MSSC, a deposit can be made for as little as Rs. 1,000 or as much as Rs. 2 lakhs.
Partial Withdrawal: After a full year has passed after the account was opened the account holder may make a partial withdrawal from the MSSC plan. The maximum amount that may be taken out of the account at once is 40% though.
Interest Rate: This plan offers interest at a rate of 7.5% per year, which is more than most banks and money market accounts offer. The interest is paid in quarterly compound interest at the end of the term.
In conclusion, the MSSC Scheme is an important step in promoting women's economic independence and financial empowerment. Such efforts not only promote financial inclusion but also make major contributions to gender equality and women's economic empowerment across the country.
