Every year, the Odisha government launches a new Small Savings Incentive Scheme for the calendar year 2025. The scheme aims to encourage people to invest in safe government-backed savings instruments rather than falling for fraudulent offers. In previous years, the scheme ran as “AQ” series (2019), “AR” series (2020), and “AS” series (2021). Under this scheme, investors get free web-based coupons for a lucky draw, with the top prize being Rs. 5 lakh in cash. Results for all series are updated here when declared.
This scheme is not just about rewards. It is also a part of a larger government effort to make people aware of the safety and benefits of small savings through post offices and banks, rather than risking money in unregistered financial companies. The lucky draw system is transparent, government-managed, and involves no risk to your deposit.
Odisha Small Savings Incentive Scheme 2025 – AS Series
The “AS” series was launched for the year 2021. The process involves issuing free incentive coupons to eligible investors, and the details about coupon distribution and the prize draw are announced officially. The coupon is given for each minimum eligible deposit (for example, Rs. 2,000 in earlier years), which can be made in several small savings schemes at any Odisha post office or participating bank branch.
Eligibility and How the Scheme Works
To participate, you must deposit at least Rs. 2,000 in any eligible small savings scheme such as NSC, KVP, SSA, PPF, SCSS, Post Office Time Deposits, etc., at a post office or bank located in Odisha. For every deposit of Rs. 2,000, you receive one free incentive coupon, which qualifies you for the lucky draw. These coupons are made available at the offices of the Collectors, Sub-Collectors, and BDOs in each district. All transactions must be completed within the official period (e.g., 1 January to 31 December for past schemes), with the draw generally held a few months later.
To support the spread of small savings, the government appoints authorized agents (including individuals, cooperative societies, banks, and select organizations) who help people invest in these schemes. These agents are well-vetted, required to have a good reputation and integrity, and in most cases must provide security or sureties before being allowed to operate. Some government employees and certain institutions can also be appointed as agents. Agents play a key role in canvassing, collecting deposits, and helping investors fill forms. They are provided official receipt books and must adhere to strict timelines for depositing collected money and delivering certificates to investors.
- Eligibility to Become Agent: Individuals, extra departmental branch postmasters, co-operative societies, scheduled banks, registered social service organisations, and some government employees (with proper permissions).
- Security Requirement: Most agents must provide a security deposit or surety, except for exempted categories like scheduled banks and certain government employees.
- Official Agreement: All agents sign a formal agreement with the government for a three-year period (renewable), specifying their obligations and commission rights.
- Receipt Books: Agents receive receipt books of different denominations to acknowledge investors’ money, with special books for crossed cheques.
- Agent Area: Agents can operate throughout Odisha, but are attached to a specific Head Post Office for transactions and commission.
Commission and Safeguards
Agents earn a government-notified commission (for example, Rs. 1.75 per sale for some schemes, as per older rates). However, no commission is given for investments made by provident funds, trusts, co-operatives, or through funds that must legally be invested in small savings by law.
Agents are strictly monitored. The appointing authorities and post offices ensure agents follow the rules, return all used/unused receipt books after agency ends, and handle investor money responsibly. In case of any misappropriation or fraud by agents, the government acts promptly to recover money and protect investors, and legal action is taken against the agent or their sureties. The government even runs regular reviews to weed out inactive agents and ensure only trustworthy agents continue to operate.
Prize Profile and Draw Details of Small Savings Incentive Scheme
Each year, thousands of prizes are distributed in the lucky draw, with the top prize being Rs. 5,00,000. Other prizes include Rs. 3 lakh, Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 50,000, Rs. 10,000, Rs. 5,000, and Rs. 2,000, with more than 2,400 winners in total. The draw is conducted in Bhubaneswar under government supervision and the list of winners is published officially.
Prize Category | No. of Prizes | Prize Amount (Rs.) |
1st Prize | 1 | 5,00,000 |
2nd Prize | 1 | 3,00,000 |
3rd Prize | 2 | 1,00,000 each |
4th Prize | 4 | 50,000 each |
5th Prize | 20 | 10,000 each |
6th Prize | 400 | 5,000 each |
7th Prize | 2,000 | 2,000 each |
Official Procedures and Timeline
- Deposit Period: Usually from 1 January to 31 December of the scheme year
- Coupon Distribution: At collector/sub-collector/BDO offices, on showing deposit proof
- Draw Date: Declared by the government, e.g., July of the next year for earlier series
- Result Publication: Results are published on the official website (https://assa.odisha.gov.in/login/lottery) and at district offices
Important Note: Only deposits made in Odisha-based banks or post offices qualify for the draw, and only the specified small savings schemes are eligible. Deposits by institutions, trusts, and co-operatives are generally excluded from prize eligibility. All details and rules may change as per government notifications.
Key Points for Investors
- Always keep your deposit receipt and incentive coupon safely.
- Check prize results only on official websites or notice boards to avoid fraud.
- If you win, approach the district office or scheme authority with proper documents for prize claim.
- All agents and participating offices are regularly monitored for your safety.
- If you face any issue or suspect fraud, contact your local collector or district savings office immediately.
Odisha Small Savings Incentive Scheme is a unique opportunity for safe investment and a chance to win rewards. It is completely government-backed, making it one of the safest savings schemes available in India.