Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Launches 1-Gram Gold Ring Scheme for Newborns; ₹755.83 Crore Earmarked

Tamil Nadu Launches One-Gram Gold Ring Scheme

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on September 28 launched the Thaaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, also known as the Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme, at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai.

Under the welfare programme, eligible newborn babies will receive a one-gram gold ring. The initiative was one of Vijay's electoral promises and has now been formally rolled out by the state government.

₹755.83 Crore Annual Allocation

The Tamil Nadu government has earmarked ₹755.83 crore annually for implementing the scheme.

The allocation is intended to cover the procurement and distribution of one-gram gold rings to eligible newborns delivered in government healthcare institutions across the state.

Who Is Eligible for the Gold Ring?

The scheme covers eligible babies born to permanent residents of Tamil Nadu in government hospitals and other government healthcare institutions covered by the programme.

Mothers are required to be registered under the Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation (PICME) system and have a Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) ID.

The benefit has retrospective coverage from June 22, 2026, meaning eligible babies born from that date can receive the benefit.

1.28 Lakh Gold Rings Ready for Initial Phase

For the first phase, the government has procured around 1.28 lakh gold rings.

The rings are 22-carat gold and each carries a unique serial number. They will be handed over in tamper-proof packaging as part of the government's distribution system.

Distribution for Babies Born Before the Launch

The government has created a separate mechanism for eligible babies born between June 22 and the formal launch of the scheme.

Their rings are scheduled to be distributed through 107 hubs across Tamil Nadu, with distribution beginning on September 28. Each hub is expected to handle around 100 beneficiaries per day.

Scheme Linked to Institutional Deliveries

The Tamil Nadu government has said the initiative is intended to encourage families to choose government hospitals and institutional deliveries.

The scheme is also positioned as part of the state's broader maternal and child welfare measures, with the government seeking to strengthen public confidence in its healthcare institutions.

Cultural Significance of the Scheme

The name Thaaimaman Thanga Mothiram draws from the Tamil cultural tradition in which a maternal uncle gives gifts to a newborn.

The government has adopted this cultural concept by symbolically taking on the role of the maternal uncle and presenting a gold ring to eligible babies born in government healthcare facilities.

Scheme Was an Electoral Promise

The gold ring programme was announced by Vijay ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The initiative was subsequently incorporated into the state government's welfare programme and made effective retrospectively from June 22, Vijay's birthday.

What Happens to Eligible Babies After the Launch?

For babies born in government hospitals after the scheme's rollout, the gold ring is expected to be provided at the time of discharge, subject to the eligibility requirements.

For children covered retrospectively from June 22, the government has established separate distribution arrangements through designated hubs.

Key Takeaways

• Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay launched the one-gram gold ring scheme on September 28, 2026.

• The scheme is officially called Thaaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam.

• Eligible newborns will receive a one-gram, 22-carat gold ring.

• The Tamil Nadu government has earmarked ₹755.83 crore annually.

• The scheme covers eligible babies born from June 22, 2026.

• Around 1.28 lakh rings have been procured for the initial phase.

• Mothers must meet the state's residency and PICME/RCH registration requirements.

• The government says the scheme is intended to encourage institutional deliveries and use of public healthcare facilities.

• Retrospective beneficiaries will receive rings through 107 distribution hubs across Tamil Nadu.