Samastipur: Samastipur in Bihar is preparing to achieve a historic milestone by becoming the first “Sukanya District” in the state. This special status means that every girl under the age of five in the district will have a Sukanya Samriddhi savings account opened in her name through the local post offices. The initiative has been started by the Samastipur Postal Division after receiving approval from the Union Ministry of Communications. Officials said that the final consent is expected before March, after which the district will officially be declared a Sukanya District.
The main goal of this programme is to give long-term financial security to girls so that their education, marriage and other important needs can be supported in the future. According to Post Superintendent Robin Chandra, a detailed proposal has already been sent for approval. The district has begun identifying girls under the age of five, and Aadhaar cards are being created for them. Once the Aadhaar process is completed, Sukanya Samriddhi accounts will be opened at the nearest post office so that families do not have to travel far or face difficulties.
In the first phase of the drive, around 4,500 girls under the age of five have been identified in the Samastipur Municipal Corporation area. In the second phase, the campaign will move to rural areas. Postal workers will go door to door to find eligible girls, help families create Aadhaar cards if needed, and open Sukanya accounts at the local rural post offices. This will ensure that even families in remote villages can take advantage of the scheme.
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is part of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign and is considered one of the strongest schemes for empowering girls. Under this scheme, accounts can be opened for girls aged 0 to 10 years with a minimum deposit of Rs 250. Parents only need to deposit money once a year for 15 years. After 21 years, the full amount can be withdrawn by the girl. The scheme also provides tax benefits, allowing guardians to claim up to Rs 1.5 lakh under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
The Postal Department is also running a large awareness drive with the theme “Post Office Accounts for Every Home, Post Offices for Every Home.” Villages are being developed as Insurance Villages, Savings Villages and Sukanya Villages. Officials say that small savings can make families stronger and help girls become self-reliant. With more than 86,000 Sukanya accounts already opened in Samastipur, the district is now ready to lead Bihar in building a safer and brighter future for every daughter.
