The question asks to identify the new savings scheme introduced specifically for the girl child. Understanding various government initiatives aimed at the welfare of girls is crucial for this type of question.

Sukanya Samridhi Yojana Explained

The Sukanya Samridhi Yojana (SSY) is a significant small savings scheme launched by the Government of India. It was introduced as a part of the "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) campaign.

• Purpose: The primary aim of the Sukanya Samridhi Yojana is to encourage parents to build a fund for their girl child's education and marriage expenses.
• Launch Date: This scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana.
• Eligibility: An account can be opened in the name of a girl child who is below 10 years of age. Only one account is allowed per girl child, and a maximum of two accounts are permitted per family (with exceptions for twins/triplets).
• Deposit Amount: Parents or legal guardians can deposit a minimum of ₹250 annually and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year.
• Interest Rate: The scheme offers a competitive interest rate, which is revised quarterly by the government. The interest earned is tax-free under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Maturity: The account matures when the girl child completes 21 years from the date of account opening or at the time of her marriage after attaining 18 years of age.

Analyzing Other Options for Savings Scheme

Let's briefly look at the other options provided to understand why Sukanya Samridhi Yojana is the correct answer for a girl child savings scheme:

• Suraksha Samridhi Yojana: This scheme does not exist by this name as a government-backed savings scheme for girl children.
• Sukanya Bima Yojana: While there are insurance products related to "Sukanya" (like LIC's Sukanya plan), "Sukanya Bima Yojana" is not the widely recognized government savings scheme for girl children. The term "Bima" typically refers to insurance, not a savings deposit scheme in this context.
• Suraksha Bima Yojana: This generally refers to "Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana" (PMSBY), which is an accident insurance scheme, not a savings scheme for the girl child.

Based on the analysis, the Sukanya Samridhi Yojana is the specific and popular government savings scheme introduced for the girl child in India.