TN CM Vijay launches gold ring scheme for newborns

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay launched the Thaaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai on Monday, personally distributing one-gram gold rings to newborns and interacting with families. The scheme, a key election promise of his TVK party, provides a 22-carat gold ring with a unique serial number to eligible babies born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026. The state has allocated Rs 755.83 crore annually, estimating 4.2 lakh births per year in public facilities.

Housing Minister B Rajkumar launched the scheme simultaneously in Cuddalore, stating the aim is to increase institutional deliveries and strengthen confidence in government healthcare. In Cuddalore district alone, 3,120 babies born between June 22 and September 25 will receive rings in phased sessions capped at 50 per day. The government has ordered 1,28,499 rings initially from Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers at an estimated Rs 220 crore, with district committees overseeing distribution. The scheme excludes Maduranthakam and Dharapuram constituencies where bypolls are scheduled on October 6.