Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches 1-gram gold ring scheme for newborns

Mangalore Today News Network

Madurai, Sep 28, 2026: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday, September 28, launched the ‘Thaaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam’ (Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme), fulfilling a key electoral promise of his government.

The scheme provides an 1-gram, 22-carat gold ring to eligible babies born in government hospitals. Vijay launched the programme at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai and presented gold rings to newborns.

The state government has allocated Rs 755.83 crore annually for the scheme and has procured 1.28 lakh gold rings for the initial rollout. The rings will carry unique serial numbers and be distributed in tamper-proof packaging.

The welfare initiative is intended to honour motherhood, support maternal and child health, and encourage families to opt for deliveries at government healthcare facilities.

The scheme covers eligible babies born on or after June 22, 2026, to mothers who are permanent residents of Tamil Nadu and who deliver at government hospitals.

The government had earlier issued the order to implement the scheme in June, with the programme initially scheduled for launch on September 15.

Ahead of the Chief Minister’s multiple programmes in Madurai, police deployed a five-tier security arrangement across the city, including from the airport.