Tamil Nadu Gold Ring Scheme: 1 Gram Gold Ring for Newborns at Govt Hospitals, 1.28 Lakh Procured

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's government has introduced the Thaimaaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, under which newborns delivered in government hospitals will receive a one-gram gold ring. The state has procured 1,28,499 one-gram gold rings for the first four months, with the initial batch estimated to cost around ₹220 crore. The scheme covers babies born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026, which is also the birthday of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. The government had scheduled the formal launch for September 15, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C N Annadurai.

What Is the Tamil Nadu One-Gram Gold Ring Scheme?

The Thaimaaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, or Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme, is a welfare initiative under which the Tamil Nadu government will provide a one-gram gold ring to babies born in government healthcare institutions. The government has described the scheme as a way of recognising the birth of children and honouring mothers who use public healthcare facilities. It also draws on the Tamil cultural tradition of a maternal uncle presenting gifts to a newborn. SC Directs Tamil Nadu to Identify Land for Navodaya Schools Within Three Months.

The initiative was announced as one of the promises made by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) before the 2026 Assembly election. The state has allocated ₹755.83 crore annually for the scheme.

1.28 Lakh Gold Rings Procured for First Phase

For the initial four-month period, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered 1,28,499 one-gram gold rings. The rings are 22-carat and together weigh about 128.5 kg. The estimated cost of the first batch is around ₹220 crore, although the final expenditure can vary with prevailing gold prices. The larger annual requirement is estimated at 4,41,667 rings, for which the government has made a budgetary provision of ₹755.83 crore.

Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers Get Procurement Orders

The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) invited tenders for 4,41,667 one-gram gold rings on July 14. Eleven companies participated in the tender process. Joyalukkas emerged as the lowest bidder, while Kalyan Jewellers agreed to match the quoted rate. The two companies were subsequently awarded work orders in a 70:30 ratio. For the initial 1,28,499 rings, Joyalukkas will supply 89,949 rings, while Kalyan Jewellers will supply 38,550 rings. Tamil Nadu CM Secures Industrial, Renewable Energy Commitments During UK Visit; Oversees European Auto Firms' 3,000 Cr Investment Proposal.

Unique Serial Number and Tamper-Proof Packaging

The government has also put in place measures to identify and secure the gold rings distributed under the scheme. The rings are to carry a unique serial number, while the packaging will be tamper-proof. These measures are intended to help authorities track the rings and maintain accountability during distribution.

Who Will Get the Gold Ring?

The scheme primarily covers children born in government hospitals and other eligible government healthcare institutions in Tamil Nadu. Recent guidelines have also expanded coverage to certain babies abandoned in government facilities under the state's cradle-baby scheme. Babies who die after admission to special newborn care units can also remain eligible under the guidelines. However, stillborn babies and intrauterine deaths are not eligible. Babies born in private hospitals and subsequently admitted to government hospitals are also excluded under the guidelines reported in September.

Scheme Aims to Encourage Institutional Deliveries

The Tamil Nadu government has linked the initiative to strengthening confidence in public healthcare and encouraging childbirth at government medical facilities. The government's policy document says the scheme is intended to recognise mothers and newborns while reinforcing the role of government hospitals in providing maternity care. The scheme will therefore operate alongside the state's broader public-health initiatives, with the gold ring serving as a welfare benefit for eligible newborns delivered in government facilities.

Launch Date: What the Latest Reports Say

While the headline information provided for this story mentions September 28, the government announcements and reports available as of September 18 consistently identify September 15, 2026, as the scheduled formal launch date. The September 15 date was chosen to coincide with the birth anniversary of C N Annadurai. The scheme, however, is retrospective for eligible babies born from June 22, 2026. Thus, for publication, September 15 should be used unless the Tamil Nadu government has subsequently issued a revised launch date to September 28.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 06:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).