What is CM Vijay's gold ring scheme for newborns?

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government is set to launch the ‘Thaimaaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam', a first-of-its-kind welfare scheme under which every newborn delivered in a government health facility will receive a one-gram gold ring as a welcome gift from the state.

The programme, announced by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay before the Assembly elections, will be formally launched on September 15, the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C. N. Annadurai. However, the scheme will take effect retrospectively from June 22, Vijay's birthday.

Under the initiative, the government will symbolically assume the role of a child's "thaimaaman" (maternal uncle), a culturally significant figure in Tamil families who traditionally presents gifts to welcome a newborn. Each eligible baby will receive a gold ring weighing one gram, valued at around Rs 13,600 at current market prices.

According to a government order issued on June 23, the scheme aims to celebrate childbirth, honour motherhood and strengthen public trust in government healthcare institutions. The state has allocated approximately Rs 755.83 crore annually for the programme.

Who is eligible?

The scheme is open to all newborns delivered in government health facilities across Tamil Nadu. Eligibility is restricted to residents of the state, who must provide proof of residence through documents such as Aadhaar, ration card, voter ID, labour welfare board ID, postal address proof or a nativity certificate.

Importantly, the benefit will be provided:

* Regardless of the child's gender.

* Irrespective of birth order.

* Without restrictions on higher-order births.

Why is the scheme being introduced?

The government says gold holds deep cultural and emotional value in Tamil Nadu and is often gifted to newborns as a symbol of blessing and prosperity. By institutionalising the practice, the state hopes to celebrate motherhood while encouraging families to continue using public healthcare services for safe deliveries.

Tamil Nadu records around 7.8 lakh births annually, with institutional deliveries accounting for nearly 99.9 per cent of all births. Government hospitals handle about 4.2 lakh deliveries every year, representing nearly 53 per cent of total births.

Officials say the initiative will complement the state's maternal and child healthcare programmes by promoting equitable access to quality healthcare and creating a positive association with public health institutions.

To oversee implementation, monitoring and distribution of the rings, the government will establish a dedicated State Project/Programme Management Unit. The gold rings will be procured through Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation and supplied to health facilities across the state.

(PTI)