Sheng nu cites studies that show that women are now breaking the tradition of "mandatory marriage" to have fewer children or marry later on in life. Other typologically similar terms that are still used in the modern lexicon of other countries and cultures show the concept has existed in some cases as far back as the 16th century. The term spinster was used to describe unmarried or single women of a marriageable age. It wasn't until 2004 when the Civil Partnership Act replaced the word spinster with "single" in the relationship history section of marriage certificates in the UK. Subsequently, at the
National Savings Certificates (India) benefit under Section 80C of Income Tax Act, 1961. Other similar government savings schemes in India include: Public Provident Fund (PPF), Post Office Fixed Deposit, Post Office Recurring Deposit, etc. The certificates were heavily promoted by the Indian government in the 1950s after India's independence, to collect funds for "nation-building". Discontinuation of Physical Certificate The existing system of physical pre-printed certificates for NSC shall stand discontinued w.e.f. 1.4.2016 and shall be replaced by ‘National Savings Certificate' Certificate on electronic mode (e-mode). Till the CBS system transits to that e-mode, banks and post offices may choose to issue a physical certificate