The Munger postal department has stepped up efforts to make the Sukanya Samriddhi Deposit Scheme for the girl child a grand success in all four districts - Munger, Jamui, Lakhisarai and Sheikhpura - of Munger division.

The scheme, which is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, is designed for girls' higher education and marriage needs.

The divisional postal department held a special camp on the campus of the Munger head post office on Independence Day. It attracted guardians a large number of girls.

The postal superintendent, (Munger division), Jitendra Prasad Singh, said: "The scheme offers tax-free deposit and the interest rate is 9.2 per cent for financial year 2015-16. Since its launch on January 15, more than 4,000 accounts have been opened under this scheme in this postal division so far."

Sudhir Kumar Sinha, the post master of the Munger head office, said: "The Sukanya Samriddhi account can be opened in a girl child's name till the age of 10 years by her biological parents in any post office. The minimum deposit amount is Rs 1,000 and the maximum amount is Rs 1.5 lakh a year. The money is to be deposited under the scheme for 14 years, which would mature in 21 years."

A special provision allows the girl to withdraw 50 per cent of the deposit money for higher studies on attaining 18 years of age.

Madho Prasad Singh, the system administrator, Munger head post office, said: "The girl child can operate the account on her own from age 10."

Nasreen Praveen, mother of eight-year-old Kayanat Hassan, a resident of Hazratganj mohalla, said: "I have opened an account in my daughter's name. High interest rate is the main attraction."

Sudha Devi, mother of Apoorva Nidhi (3), a resident of Mangal Bazar, said: "I have availed of this scheme, thinking that my girl would be self-sufficient economically in the future. The money would be useful for her higher education or marriage ."

Gunja Devi, mother of Sristi Kumari (5), a resident of Gandhi Chowk, said: "As I have not obtained the birth certificate for my second daughter, Sonali (3), I failed to open an account. I will get the certificate and definitely rush to the post office to open the account ."