FM Nirmala Sitharaman announces Mahila Samman Savings Certificate scheme

• Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2023-24 in Parliament on Wednesday (February 1), with a focus on the inclusive development of all sectors and sections of people.
• During her speech, Sitharaman announced a 'Mahila Samman Saving Certificate' with a fixed interest rate for two years.
• The deposit can be made in the name of a woman or a girl child. The finance minister announced that this new saving initiative can be availed for a deposit amount with a partial withdrawal option.
• The deposit facility for the women and girls will be for a period of two years with a rate of interest of 7.5 per cent.

Objectives of Mahila Samman Savings Certificate scheme:

1. The Mahila Samman Bachat Patra is a one-time new small savings scheme.
2. It will be made available for a two-year period up to March 2025.
3. This will offer a deposit facility of up to Rs 2 lakh in the name of women or girls for a tenor of two years. 
4. The scheme can be availed at a fixed interest rate of 7.5 per cent with a partial withdrawal option.