Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme: Eligibility, Interest, Tax Benefits, and More

Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme: Eligibility, Interest, Tax Benefits, and More. The Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme was launched as a unique government-backed initiative aimed at empowering women and girl children financially. Announced by the Union Finance Minister in the Budget Speech of 2023-24, this scheme provided an attractive and safe investment option exclusively for females. It was designed as a one-time small savings scheme available for a limited window of two years, from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2025. This article provides a detailed understanding of the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme, covering eligibility, features, how to apply, interest rates, maturity and withdrawal rules, tax benefits, and a comparison with other popular small savings schemes. If you want to know how this scheme worked, what benefits it offered, and how it compared to other savings options, read on carefully.
Overview of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme
Let’s first look at the basic details of the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme:

Scheme Name

Mahila Samman Savings Certificate

Launch date

1 April 2023

Last date

31 March 2025

Who can invest?

Women above 18 years

Where to invest?

Post office and certain banks

Interest rate

7.5% p.a.

Minimum and Maximum deposit amount

Minimum - Rs. 1,000; Maximum - Rs. 2 lakh

Lock-in period

2 years

Application process

Offline

The scheme provided women and guardians of girl children the opportunity to invest up to Rs. 2 lakh at a fixed interest rate for two years. However, it’s important to note that no new deposits are allowed after March 31, 2025, since the scheme was discontinued after that date.
Features of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme
The Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme came with several attractive features, making it one of the safest small savings schemes for women and girls.
Government-Backed Security
Since this scheme was backed by the Government of India, it carried no credit risk. Investors did not need to worry about defaults or loss of principal or interest. It was considered a fully secure savings option.
Exclusively for Women and Girl Children:
The scheme was specially crafted for women and girl children. A woman could open the account in her name, or a guardian could open it on behalf of a minor girl child. This exclusivity was designed to promote savings habits and financial independence among women in India.
Deposit Limits Under Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme
The Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme allowed a minimum deposit of Rs. 1,000 in multiples of Rs. 100. This made it accessible even to those with small savings capacity. The maximum deposit limit was capped at Rs. 2 lakh across all Mahila Samman accounts held by a single account holder. If an investor wanted to open a second account, they were required to wait for at least three months after opening the first account. This helped regulate the deposits and kept the scheme focused on small savers.
Maturity Rules of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme
The maturity period of the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme was two years. This means the account would mature exactly two years from the date it was opened, and the maturity amount would be paid to the account holder at that time. Unlike longer-tenure savings instruments like PPF or NSC, this scheme offered a relatively short lock-in period, making it attractive to women looking for medium-term investment options with decent returns.
Withdrawal Rules Under Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme
One of the important features of the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme was that it offered a partial withdrawal option. After completing one year from the account opening date, account holders were allowed to withdraw up to 40% of the balance. This flexibility was particularly useful in case of emergencies or urgent financial needs, as it allowed investors to access part of their funds without breaking the entire account. This was seen as a balanced approach, offering both discipline and liquidity.
Interest Rate of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme
The Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme offered a fixed interest rate of 7.5% per annum. This rate was much higher than the rates offered by most regular bank Fixed Deposits (FDs) and even several other small savings schemes at that time. The interest under this scheme was credited quarterly but paid only at the time of account closure or maturity. This structure allowed investors to enjoy the benefit of compounding over the two-year period, significantly boosting their overall returns.
Benefits of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme
The Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme provided multiple benefits, making it a valuable choice for women and girl children.
Safety and Security
Since the scheme was backed by the government, there was no credit or market risk involved. Investors were assured of receiving both their principal and the promised interest.
Attractive Interest Rates
Offering a fixed 7.5% per annum, the scheme provided better returns than many traditional savings options, including most bank FDs, making it a good investment opportunity.
Short Tenure
With just a two-year lock-in period, the scheme offered flexibility, unlike other small savings instruments, which often had much longer maturity periods.
Premature Withdrawal Facility
The option to partially withdraw funds after one year made the scheme even more flexible and adaptable to changing financial needs.
Promoting Financial Independence
By encouraging women and girls to save, the scheme supported the broader goal of financial inclusion and empowerment of women across the country.
Eligibility Criteria for Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme
To open an account under the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme, the applicant needed to meet specific eligibility conditions.
Indian Citizenship Required
Only Indian citizens were eligible to invest in the scheme. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) were not allowed to open or invest under this scheme.
Exclusively for Women and Girl Children
The scheme was open only for women or girl children. If the account was opened for a minor girl, her guardian could operate the account on her behalf.
All Ages Eligible
There was no upper or lower age limit for women. Any woman, regardless of age, could open an account in her name.
How to Apply for Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme?
Investors could apply for the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme either through designated post offices or certain authorised banks.
Applying Through Post Office
Applicants could download the application form from the official India Post website or collect it from the nearest post office. They needed to fill out details such as the post office address, applicant’s name, account type, payment details, personal details, and nomination information. After attaching the required KYC documents, they submitted the form along with the deposit amount (via cash or cheque) at the post office. The post office then issued a certificate confirming the investment.
Applying Through Banks
Applicants could also visit authorised banks offering the scheme, collect the application form, and fill it out with all necessary details. After submitting the form along with KYC documents and the deposit amount, they received a certificate confirming the investment.
Banks Offering Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme
The Ministry of Finance, through an e-gazette notification dated June 27, 2023, authorised the following banks to operate the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme:

Bank of Baroda
Canara Bank
Bank of India
Punjab National Bank
Union Bank of India
Central Bank of India

These banks worked alongside post offices to provide widespread access to the scheme across India.
Documents Required for Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Account
To open an account under the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme, the following documents were required:

Completed application form
KYC documents such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, driving licence, or PAN card
KYC form (for new account holders)
Pay-in-slip along with the deposit amount or cheque

These documents ensured proper identification and compliance with banking regulations.
Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Calculation Example
Let’s understand the returns with a simple example. Suppose you invested Rs. 2,00,000 under the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme. With an interest rate of 7.5% per annum, in the first year, you would earn Rs. 15,000 on your principal. In the second year, the interest would be Rs. 16,125. Therefore, at the end of two years, your total maturity amount would be Rs. 2,31,125 (i.e., Rs. 2,00,000 initial investment + Rs. 31,125 total interest over two years). This example highlights the power of compounding and the attractive returns offered by the scheme.
Tax Benefits of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme
Under the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme, Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) was generally not applicable on the interest earned. As per Section 194A of the Income Tax Act, TDS is only applied if the annual interest exceeds Rs. 40,000 (or Rs. 50,000 for senior citizens).
Since the maximum deposit allowed under this scheme was Rs. 2 lakh, the total interest earned over two years typically remained below Rs. 40,000 per financial year, ensuring that no TDS was deducted. However, investors were still required to declare the interest income while filing their income tax returns.
Premature Closure of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme
Premature closure of the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme was allowed in the following cases:

After six months from the account opening date, without providing any reason. However, the interest rate in such cases would be reduced to 5.5%.
On the death of the account holder, with the principal and applicable interest paid to the nominee or legal heir.
In cases of extreme compassionate grounds, such as a life-threatening disease of the account holder or the death of the guardian (for minor accounts), upon submission of relevant documents.

These provisions added flexibility for account holders facing unforeseen emergencies.
Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Vs Other Small Savings Schemes
Here’s a detailed comparison between the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme and other popular small savings schemes:

Particulars

Mahila Samman Savings Certificate

PPF

Eligibility

Women and girl children

Any individual Indian citizen

Interest Rate

7.5%

7.1%

Tenure

2 years

15 years

Deposit Limit

Minimum - Rs.1,000; Maximum - Rs.2 lakh

Minimum - Rs.500; Maximum - Rs.1.5 lakh

Premature Withdrawal

40% withdrawal after one year

Partial withdrawal after 7 years

Tax Benefit

No Section 80C deduction

EEE category under Section 80C

Particulars

Mahila Samman Savings Certificate

NSC

Eligibility

Women and girl children

Any individual, including NRIs

Interest Rate

7.5%

7.7%

Tenure

2 years

5 years

Deposit Limit

Minimum - Rs.1,000; Maximum - Rs.2 lakh

Minimum - Rs.100; No maximum limit

Premature Withdrawal

40% withdrawal after one year

Allowed in certain circumstances

Tax Benefit

No Section 80C deduction

Deduction up to Rs.1.5 lakh under 80C

Particulars

Mahila Samman Savings Certificate

SCSS

Eligibility

Women and girl children

Senior citizens above 60 years

Interest Rate

7.5%

8.2%

Tenure

2 years

5 years

Deposit Limit

Minimum - Rs.1,000; Maximum - Rs.2 lakh

Minimum - Rs.1,000; Maximum - Rs.30 lakh

Premature Withdrawal

40% withdrawal after one year

Can be closed at any time

Tax Benefit

No Section 80C deduction

Deduction up to Rs.1.5 lakh under 80C

Particulars

Mahila Samman Savings Certificate

SSY

Eligibility

Women and girl children

Only in the name of a girl child (below 10 years)

Interest Rate

7.5%

8.2%

Tenure

2 years

21 years or until girl turns 18

Deposit Limit

Minimum - Rs.1,000; Maximum - Rs.2 lakh

Minimum - Rs.250; Maximum - Rs.1.5 lakh

Premature Withdrawal

40% withdrawal after one year

Allowed under certain conditions

Tax Benefit

No Section 80C deduction

EEE category under Section 80C

Conclusion
The Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme was a well-structured government scheme offering a secure, short-term investment option exclusively for women and girl children. With a fixed 7.5% interest rate, partial withdrawal flexibility, and government-backed safety, it stood out as an excellent savings tool during its operational window. Although the scheme has now closed for new deposits, it played a key role in promoting financial inclusion for women across India.
If you have any queries or need any support, connect with Compliance Calendar LLP through mail at info@ccoffice.in or Call/Whatsapp +91 9988424211.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What was the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme, and what made it special? Ans. The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) was a government-backed savings scheme introduced in Budget 2023-24, exclusively for women and girl children. It offered a 7.5% annual interest rate, partial withdrawal options, and a maximum deposit limit of Rs.2 lakh. The scheme aimed to promote financial empowerment among women.
Q2. Who was eligible to open a Mahila Samman Savings Certificate account?
Ans. Any Indian woman or guardian of a girl child could open an MSSC account. There was no age restriction, and accounts could be opened at designated post offices or authorized banks.
Q3. What were the key features of the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate?
Ans. Key features included:

Tenure: 2 years
Interest Rate:5% p.a., compounded quarterly
Deposit Limits: Minimum Rs.1,000, maximum Rs.2 lakh
Partial Withdrawal: Up to 40% allowed after 1 year
Premature Closure: Permitted under specific conditions (death, life-threatening illness, or after 6 months with reduced interest).

Q4. Were there any tax benefits associated with MSSC?
Ans. While TDS was generally not deducted on interest earned (since total interest on Rs.2 lakh over 2 years was Rs.31,125, below the Rs.40,000 threshold), the interest was taxable as per the individual's income tax slab. However, no tax deductions (like under Section 80C) were available for the invested amount.
Q5. Why was the scheme discontinued, and when did it end?
Ans. The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate was a limited-period scheme, available from April 2023 to March 2025. It was discontinued after March 31, 2025, and no new investments or deposits were accepted after this date.

The Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme was launched as a unique government-backed initiative aimed at empowering women and girl children financially. Announced by the Union Finance Minister in the Budget Speech of 2023-24, this scheme provided an attractive and safe investment option exclusively for females. It was designed as a one-time small savings scheme available for a limited window of two years, from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2025. This article provides a detailed understanding of the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme, covering eligibility, features, how to apply, interest rates, maturity and withdrawal rules, tax benefits, and a comparison with other popular small savings schemes. If you want to know how this scheme worked, what benefits it offered, and how it compared to other savings options, read on carefully.

Overview of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme

Let’s first look at the basic details of the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme:

Scheme Name	Mahila Samman Savings Certificate
Launch date	1 April 2023
Last date	31 March 2025
Who can invest?	Women above 18 years
Where to invest?	Post office and certain banks
Interest rate	7.5% p.a.
Minimum and Maximum deposit amount	Minimum - Rs. 1,000; Maximum - Rs. 2 lakh
Lock-in period	2 years
Application process	Offline

Features of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme

The Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme came with several attractive features, making it one of the safest small savings schemes for women and girls.

Government-Backed Security

Since this scheme was backed by the Government of India, it carried no credit risk. Investors did not need to worry about defaults or loss of principal or interest. It was considered a fully secure savings option.

Exclusively for Women and Girl Children:

The scheme was specially crafted for women and girl children. A woman could open the account in her name, or a guardian could open it on behalf of a minor girl child. This exclusivity was designed to promote savings habits and financial independence among women in India.

Deposit Limits Under Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme

The Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme allowed a minimum deposit of Rs. 1,000 in multiples of Rs. 100. This made it accessible even to those with small savings capacity. The maximum deposit limit was capped at Rs. 2 lakh across all Mahila Samman accounts held by a single account holder. If an investor wanted to open a second account, they were required to wait for at least three months after opening the first account. This helped regulate the deposits and kept the scheme focused on small savers.

Maturity Rules of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme

The maturity period of the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme was two years. This means the account would mature exactly two years from the date it was opened, and the maturity amount would be paid to the account holder at that time. Unlike longer-tenure savings instruments like PPF or NSC, this scheme offered a relatively short lock-in period, making it attractive to women looking for medium-term investment options with decent returns.

Withdrawal Rules Under Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme

One of the important features of the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme was that it offered a partial withdrawal option. After completing one year from the account opening date, account holders were allowed to withdraw up to 40% of the balance. This flexibility was particularly useful in case of emergencies or urgent financial needs, as it allowed investors to access part of their funds without breaking the entire account. This was seen as a balanced approach, offering both discipline and liquidity.

Interest Rate of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme

The Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme offered a fixed interest rate of 7.5% per annum. This rate was much higher than the rates offered by most regular bank Fixed Deposits (FDs) and even several other small savings schemes at that time. The interest under this scheme was credited quarterly but paid only at the time of account closure or maturity. This structure allowed investors to enjoy the benefit of compounding over the two-year period, significantly boosting their overall returns.

Benefits of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme

The Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme provided multiple benefits, making it a valuable choice for women and girl children.

Safety and Security

Since the scheme was backed by the government, there was no credit or market risk involved. Investors were assured of receiving both their principal and the promised interest.

Attractive Interest Rates

Offering a fixed 7.5% per annum, the scheme provided better returns than many traditional savings options, including most bank FDs, making it a good investment opportunity.

Short Tenure

With just a two-year lock-in period, the scheme offered flexibility, unlike other small savings instruments, which often had much longer maturity periods.

Premature Withdrawal Facility

The option to partially withdraw funds after one year made the scheme even more flexible and adaptable to changing financial needs.

Promoting Financial Independence

By encouraging women and girls to save, the scheme supported the broader goal of financial inclusion and empowerment of women across the country.

Eligibility Criteria for Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme

To open an account under the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme, the applicant needed to meet specific eligibility conditions.

Indian Citizenship Required

Only Indian citizens were eligible to invest in the scheme. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) were not allowed to open or invest under this scheme.

Exclusively for Women and Girl Children

The scheme was open only for women or girl children. If the account was opened for a minor girl, her guardian could operate the account on her behalf.

All Ages Eligible

There was no upper or lower age limit for women. Any woman, regardless of age, could open an account in her name.

How to Apply for Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme?

Investors could apply for the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme either through designated post offices or certain authorised banks.

Applying Through Post Office

Applicants could download the application form from the official India Post website or collect it from the nearest post office. They needed to fill out details such as the post office address, applicant’s name, account type, payment details, personal details, and nomination information. After attaching the required KYC documents, they submitted the form along with the deposit amount (via cash or cheque) at the post office. The post office then issued a certificate confirming the investment.

Applying Through Banks

Applicants could also visit authorised banks offering the scheme, collect the application form, and fill it out with all necessary details. After submitting the form along with KYC documents and the deposit amount, they received a certificate confirming the investment.

Banks Offering Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme

The Ministry of Finance, through an e-gazette notification dated June 27, 2023, authorised the following banks to operate the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme:

Bank of Baroda
Canara Bank
Bank of India
Punjab National Bank
Union Bank of India
Central Bank of India

These banks worked alongside post offices to provide widespread access to the scheme across India.

Documents Required for Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Account

To open an account under the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme, the following documents were required:

Completed application form
KYC documents such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, driving licence, or PAN card
KYC form (for new account holders)
Pay-in-slip along with the deposit amount or cheque

These documents ensured proper identification and compliance with banking regulations.

Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Calculation Example

Let’s understand the returns with a simple example. Suppose you invested Rs. 2,00,000 under the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme. With an interest rate of 7.5% per annum, in the first year, you would earn Rs. 15,000 on your principal. In the second year, the interest would be Rs. 16,125. Therefore, at the end of two years, your total maturity amount would be Rs. 2,31,125 (i.e., Rs. 2,00,000 initial investment + Rs. 31,125 total interest over two years). This example highlights the power of compounding and the attractive returns offered by the scheme.

Tax Benefits of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme

Under the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme, Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) was generally not applicable on the interest earned. As per Section 194A of the Income Tax Act, TDS is only applied if the annual interest exceeds Rs. 40,000 (or Rs. 50,000 for senior citizens).

Since the maximum deposit allowed under this scheme was Rs. 2 lakh, the total interest earned over two years typically remained below Rs. 40,000 per financial year, ensuring that no TDS was deducted. However, investors were still required to declare the interest income while filing their income tax returns.

Premature Closure of Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme

Premature closure of the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme was allowed in the following cases:

After six months from the account opening date, without providing any reason. However, the interest rate in such cases would be reduced to 5.5%.
On the death of the account holder, with the principal and applicable interest paid to the nominee or legal heir.
In cases of extreme compassionate grounds, such as a life-threatening disease of the account holder or the death of the guardian (for minor accounts), upon submission of relevant documents.

These provisions added flexibility for account holders facing unforeseen emergencies.

Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Vs Other Small Savings Schemes

Here’s a detailed comparison between the Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme and other popular small savings schemes:

Particulars	Mahila Samman Savings Certificate	PPF
Eligibility	Women and girl children	Any individual Indian citizen
Interest Rate	7.5%	7.1%
Tenure	2 years	15 years
Deposit Limit	Minimum - Rs.1,000; Maximum - Rs.2 lakh	Minimum - Rs.500; Maximum - Rs.1.5 lakh
Premature Withdrawal	40% withdrawal after one year	Partial withdrawal after 7 years
Tax Benefit	No Section 80C deduction	EEE category under Section 80C
Particulars	Mahila Samman Savings Certificate	NSC
Eligibility	Women and girl children	Any individual, including NRIs
Interest Rate	7.5%	7.7%
Tenure	2 years	5 years
Deposit Limit	Minimum - Rs.1,000; Maximum - Rs.2 lakh	Minimum - Rs.100; No maximum limit
Premature Withdrawal	40% withdrawal after one year	Allowed in certain circumstances
Tax Benefit	No Section 80C deduction	Deduction up to Rs.1.5 lakh under 80C

Particulars	Mahila Samman Savings Certificate	SCSS
Eligibility	Women and girl children	Senior citizens above 60 years
Interest Rate	7.5%	8.2%
Tenure	2 years	5 years
Deposit Limit	Minimum - Rs.1,000; Maximum - Rs.2 lakh	Minimum - Rs.1,000; Maximum - Rs.30 lakh
Premature Withdrawal	40% withdrawal after one year	Can be closed at any time
Tax Benefit	No Section 80C deduction	Deduction up to Rs.1.5 lakh under 80C
Particulars	Mahila Samman Savings Certificate	SSY
Eligibility	Women and girl children	Only in the name of a girl child (below 10 years)
Interest Rate	7.5%	8.2%
Tenure	2 years	21 years or until girl turns 18
Deposit Limit	Minimum - Rs.1,000; Maximum - Rs.2 lakh	Minimum - Rs.250; Maximum - Rs.1.5 lakh
Premature Withdrawal	40% withdrawal after one year	Allowed under certain conditions
Tax Benefit	No Section 80C deduction	EEE category under Section 80C

Conclusion

The Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme was a well-structured government scheme offering a secure, short-term investment option exclusively for women and girl children. With a fixed 7.5% interest rate, partial withdrawal flexibility, and government-backed safety, it stood out as an excellent savings tool during its operational window. Although the scheme has now closed for new deposits, it played a key role in promoting financial inclusion for women across India.

If you have any queries or need any support, connect with Compliance Calendar LLP through mail at info@ccoffice.in or Call/Whatsapp +91 9988424211.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What was the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme, and what made it special?

Ans. The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) was a government-backed savings scheme introduced in Budget 2023-24, exclusively for women and girl children. It offered a 7.5% annual interest rate, partial withdrawal options, and a maximum deposit limit of Rs.2 lakh. The scheme aimed to promote financial empowerment among women.

Q2. Who was eligible to open a Mahila Samman Savings Certificate account?

Ans. Any Indian woman or guardian of a girl child could open an MSSC account. There was no age restriction, and accounts could be opened at designated post offices or authorized banks.

Q3. What were the key features of the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate?

Ans. Key features included:

Tenure: 2 years
Interest Rate:5% p.a., compounded quarterly
Deposit Limits: Minimum Rs.1,000, maximum Rs.2 lakh
Partial Withdrawal: Up to 40% allowed after 1 year
Premature Closure: Permitted under specific conditions (death, life-threatening illness, or after 6 months with reduced interest).

Q4. Were there any tax benefits associated with MSSC?

Ans. While TDS was generally not deducted on interest earned (since total interest on Rs.2 lakh over 2 years was Rs.31,125, below the Rs.40,000 threshold), the interest was taxable as per the individual's income tax slab. However, no tax deductions (like under Section 80C) were available for the invested amount.

Q5. Why was the scheme discontinued, and when did it end?

Ans. The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate was a limited-period scheme, available from April 2023 to March 2025. It was discontinued after March 31, 2025, and no new investments or deposits were accepted after this date.