Rules Changed in Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

Small Saving Schemes: Post-Retirement & Senior Citizen Guide

Are you nearing retirement and wondering how to make the most of your hard-earned savings? Or perhaps you’re a senior citizen, diligently searching for the best investment options to secure your financial future during your golden years. Look no further, as we delve into the fascinating world of small saving schemes, specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of post-retirement individuals. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the recent guidelines revision for the esteemed Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) and shed light on its key features, benefits, and eligibility criteria. As of 1st January 2024 until 31st March 2024, the current interest rate applicable to SCSS stands at a generous 8.2% per annum. Rest assured, this interest rate will be paid on a quarterly basis, providing you with a steady stream of income to support your financial goals and aspirations. So, whether you’re planning for a comfortable retirement or seeking ways to maximize your savings, the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is a reliable and rewarding option worth considering.

Small Saving Schemes: Senior Citizen Savings Scheme Guidelines Revision

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 361

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2024/Magha 16, 1945 (Saka)

SMALL SAVING SCHEMES

361. SHRI KHAGEN MURMU:
Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has made any changes in the rules related to opening of accounts of small savings schemes after retirement;

(b) if so, the changes that have taken place alongwith their detailed description; and

(c) the details of time limit for opening the account of Senior Citizen Savings Scheme?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a, b &c): Changes in the rules related to opening of accounts of Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) were notified vide notification dated November 7, 2023 (copy enclosed).

Select changes are listed below:

• Retired individual of more than 55 years of age but below 60 years of age will now have three months’ time to invest retirement benefits in the SCSS, within guidelines indicated therein.
• The new rules allow the spouse of a government employee to open an account under this scheme, if the government employee who has attained the age of 50 years and has died in harness.
• The government has also specified the scope and meaning of the retirement benefits.
• The government has revised the rules for the extension of the SCSS scheme. The account holder may keep extending the account for unlimited number of blocks, each lasting three years by making an application within a period of one year from the date of maturity or from the date of end of each block period of three years.

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भारत सरकार
वित्त मंत्रालय
आर्थिक कार्य विभाग
लोक सभा
अतारांकित प्रश्न संख्या ३61
(जिसका उत्तर सोमवार, 05 फरवरी, 2024/16 माघ, 1945 (शक) को दिया जाना है)

लघु बचत योजनाएं

361. श्री खगेन मुर्म:
क्या वित्त मंत्री यह बताने की कृपा करेंगे कि:

(क) क्या सरकार ने सेवानिवृत्ति के बाद लघु बचत योजनाओं के खाते खोलने संबंधी नियमों में कोई परिवर्तन किया है;
(ख) यदि हां, तो इसमें क्या-क्या परिवर्तन हुए हैं और उनका विस्तृत ब्यौरा क्‍या है; और
(ग) वरिष्ठ नागरिक बचत योजना का खाता खोलने की समय-सीमा का ब्यौरा क्या है?

उत्तर

वित्त राज्य मंत्री (श्री पंकज चौधरी)

(क, ख और ग): दिनांक 7 नवंबर, 2023 की अधिसूचना (प्रति संलग्न) के माध्यम से वरिष्ठ नागरिक बचत योजना (एससीएसएस) खाता खोलने से संबंधित नियमों में बदलाव अधिसूचित किए गए। चुनिंदा बदलाव नीचे सूचीबद्ध हैं:-

• एससीएसएस में इंगित दिशानिर्देशों के अधीन 55 वर्ष की आयु से अधिक किन्तु 60 वर्ष से कम आयु वाले सेवानिवृत्त व्यक्ति को सेवानिवृत्ति लाभों में निवेश करने के लिए अब तीन माह का समय मिलेगा।
• नए नियमों के तहत यदि 50 वर्ष की आयु पूर्ण कर चुके किसी सरकारी कार्मिक की ड्यूटी पर मृत्यु हो जाती है तो इस स्कीम के तहत सरकारी कार्मिक की पत्नी या पति को खाता खोलने की अनुमति दी जाएगी।
• सरकार ने सेवानिवृत्ति लाभों के कार्यक्षेत्र और अर्थ का भी स्पष्ट उल्लेख किया है।
• सरकार ने एससीएसएस स्कीम के विस्तार हेतु नियमों में संशोधन किए हैं। खाताधारक ब्लॉक की असीमित संख्या तक खाते की समय सीमा बढ़ाना जारी रख सकता है जिसमें से प्रत्येक तीन वर्षों की समयावधि का होगा जिसे परिपक्कता की तिथि से या तीन वर्षों की प्रत्येक ब्लॉक अवधि की समाप्ति की तिथि से एक वर्ष की अवधि के भीतर आवेदन करके किया जा सकता है।

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