Empowering women through financial support and savings is a key focus of government schemes in India. Two such initiatives are the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) and the Delhi Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana (DMMSY). While MSSC is a savings scheme with attractive interest rates, DMMSY is a direct benefit transfer initiative for financial assistance. Below is a detailed comparison of these 2 schemes.
Under this scheme, eligible women will receive financial assistance every month. A list of beneficiaries will be created, and the funds will be transferred to their bank accounts. This initiative was based on a promise made by the BJP in its manifesto. The party had pledged to deposit the fixed amount into the accounts of Delhi women by March 8, but the registration process had not yet started.
Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, a new small savings scheme for women and girls, during the 2023-24 Budget Speech. This scheme was launched to mark the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate is a one-time scheme available for 2 years (from April 2023 to March 2025). It allows women or girls to deposit up to ₹2 lakh for a period of 2 years at a fixed interest rate.
Several states in India have launched schemes to enhance women’s economic and social well-being, promoting their empowerment. One such initiative by the Delhi Government is the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, a welfare scheme announced by the Delhi Finance Minister during the 2024 budget speech.
Under this scheme, women aged 18 and above will receive ₹1,000 per month as financial assistance. The primary goal is to support women from economically weaker sections, enabling them to lead dignified lives and achieve financial independence.
Feature | Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) | Delhi Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana (DMMSY) |
Purpose | Encourages savings and financial security for women. | Provides direct financial assistance to women. |
Launch Date | April 1, 2023 | Announced in December 2023; expected rollout in 2024. |
Eligibility | Open to all women and girls in India. | Female residents of Delhi, aged 18 or above, with an annual income of ₹3 lakh or less. |
Deposit & Benefits | Fixed deposit of ₹1,000 to ₹2,00,000 with 7.5% annual interest, compounded quarterly. | ₹1,000 per month as financial assistance. |
Tenure | 2 years from account opening. | Until further government announcements. |
Withdrawal Options | Partial withdrawal of up to 40% allowed after one year. Premature closure permitted in special cases. | No withdrawal restrictions, as money is transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. |
Availability | Available in Post Offices and designated banks. | Managed by the Delhi government and applied through government offices. |
Documents Required | Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, address proof, passport-size photo, and birth certificate (for minors). | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, bank details, address proof, age proof, and income certificate. |
Government Body | Ministry of Finance, Government of India. | Delhi Government. |
If you are looking to grow your savings with a government-backed scheme, the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate is the better option. With a high interest rate of 7.5% and a guaranteed return, it ensures financial security.
If you need direct cash assistance, the Delhi Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana is more beneficial. It provides ₹1,000 per month, helping low-income women manage their daily expenses.
MSSC allows women to build a financial corpus over 2 years, making it ideal for those seeking disciplined savings. On the other hand, DMMSY is beneficial for those needing consistent income support.
Both schemes serve different financial purposes. The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate promotes long-term financial security through savings, while the Delhi Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana offers direct financial relief to economically weaker women in Delhi. Women can choose one or both if eligible, depending on financial needs.
Government initiatives like these are crucial in fostering women’s financial independence and empowerment across India.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Mar 28, 2025, 3:28 PM IST
Kusum Kumari
Kusum Kumari is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience in simplifying financial market concepts. Currently crafting insightful content at Angel One, She specialise in breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand pieces, blending expertise in market fundamentals and technical analysis.
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