Vijay Govt orders 1.28 lakh gold rings for newborns in public hospitals under ‘Thaimaman’ scheme

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu state government has released supply orders for nearly 1.28 lakh 22-carat gold rings, valued at roughly Rs 220 crore, to two major retail chains. The procurement falls under the 'Thaimaman Gold Ring Scheme' intended for infants born in state-run medical facilities.

To cover the first four months, over 1 lakh gold rings are required. The initiative is set for launch on September 15 to coincide with the birth anniversary of Dravidian leader C N Annadurai. Newborns in public hospitals delivered on or after June 22, marking Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s birthday, will be eligible.

According to preliminary estimates, 1,28,499 rings, weighing 1 gram each, will cost around Rs 220 crore. The government has set aside a budget allocation of Rs 755.83 crore to procure 4,41,667 rings across a full year. While final expenses for the initial allotment may fluctuate, the administration has committed to paying market rates at the time of purchase.

The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) awarded the contract on a 70:30 split, assigning 89,949 rings to Joyalukkas and 38,550 rings to Kalyan Jewellers. Industry sources indicate that the current market price per gram for the scheme stands at approximately Rs 14,850.

Following an order to source 4,41,667 one-gram rings, 11 vendors participated in the TNMSC portal tender on July 14. Joyalukkas offered the lowest quote of Rs 0.01 above the base gold rate, excluding manufacturing, processing, insurance, transport, and BIS hallmarking costs. After these terms were revealed to other qualified bidders, Kalyan Jewellers agreed to match the rate.

Official statements highlight that “the Thaimaman Gold Ring Scheme is being implemented to strengthen the people's trust in the healthcare services of the Tamil Nadu government, commemorate the birth of a child born in government hospitals, and to celebrate the joy and importance of motherhood”.

However, the procurement process triggered sharp debate in the Assembly. Opposition leaders from the DMK and AIADMK raised questions over the unusual tender results, pointing out that a winning bid of just 1 paisa (Rs 0.01) for extra charges was highly atypical when competing firms submitted quotes ranging between Rs 410.97 and over Rs 15,000.

Joyalukkas addressed the controversy in a statement: “The tender is valued at approximately Rs 755 crore with the gold component forming the major part of the overall procurement value,” clarifying that they had submitted a “symbolic service charge of just 1 paisa above the prevailing gold rate.”

Opposition parties also challenged why procurement was handled through the TNMSC, maintaining that the entity was designed specifically to source medicines, equipment and medical infrastructure.

In defense, Health Minister Arunraj maintained that the initiative plays a critical role in bolstering public confidence in state-run healthcare.

PTI