JAMMU: BJP J&K President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma (CA) raised the issue of the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) Scheme in the Rajya Sabha through an unstarred question, seeking details of women’s financial empowerment in Jammu & Kashmir through government initiative.
Seeking to evaluate the scheme’s reach among women, particularly those in rural and economically weaker sections, Sat Sharma sought detailed information on the number of beneficiaries, the financial corpus generated, rural participation, and the measures being taken to create financial awareness among women across the Union Territory.
The Union MoS Pankaj Chaudhary, on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, in a written reply, informed the House that 19,418 accounts have been opened under the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme in Jammu & Kashmir, mobilizing a total financial corpus of ₹202.23 crore. The reply further stated that out of 16,695 accounts opened through the Department of Posts, nearly 20 per cent were registered through rural post offices, while the remaining accounts were opened through urban post offices. Additionally, 2,723 accounts were opened through authorized banks covering both rural and urban areas.
Reacting to the reply, Sat Sharma said that the figures reflect growing awareness among women about secure savings instruments and the positive impact of the Centre’s financial inclusion initiatives. He said that economic empowerment of women is essential for strengthening families and accelerating the socio-economic development of Jammu & Kashmir.
Sat Sharma observed that while the response indicates encouraging participation, there is considerable scope to further expand the scheme’s reach, particularly among women living in remote and economically disadvantaged areas. He stressed that sustained financial literacy and awareness campaigns would ensure that every eligible woman is able to take advantage of such savings opportunities.
The Union Minister further informed that the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme remained operational from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2025, and that the Department of Posts and authorized agency banks conducted outreach programmes and public awareness initiatives by displaying the scheme’s salient features and benefits at post offices and bank branches to encourage wider participation. He added that the Modi Government has consistently placed women-led development at the centre of its governance agenda.
