Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Launches ‘Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram’ Scheme, Free 1-Gram Gold Rings for Newborns

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Edited News Report

CHENNAI, SEPT 28: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Monday launched the State government’s flagship “Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam” (Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme), under which a one-gram gold ring will be presented to every eligible newborn delivered at a government hospital.

The scheme was formally launched at the Government Rajaji Medical College and Hospital in Madurai, where Mr. Vijay personally handed over gold rings to the mothers of 30 newborns.

The government said the initiative is aimed at reflecting the traditional role of the maternal uncle in Tamil culture while strengthening its broader maternal and child welfare measures. It is also intended to encourage institutional deliveries and enhance public confidence in government healthcare facilities.

The scheme is applicable to eligible babies born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026, the date from which the initiative came into effect. The initial rollout covers babies born between June 22 and September 28.

The State government has procured 1.28 lakh one-gram gold rings as the first phase of distribution. Each ring carries a unique serial number and is packed in tamper-proof packaging to facilitate identification and prevent misuse. The rings will be handed over to eligible families when the newborn is discharged from the hospital.

The scheme has an estimated annual budget outlay of Rs 755.83 crore, with distribution being carried out through 107 designated hubs across Tamil Nadu.

To qualify, the mother must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu and registered under the Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation (PICME) system. She must also possess a valid RCH Identification Number, which is used for monitoring maternal and child health services in the State.

The scheme was initially scheduled to be launched on September 15, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, but was deferred due to Mr. Vijay’s official visit to London.

Tamil Nadu records around 7.80 lakh births annually, with nearly 99.9 per cent of deliveries taking place in institutions. Around 4.20 lakh deliveries, or about 53 per cent, are reported in government hospitals. Nearly 90 per cent of government-hospital deliveries take place at Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) centres.

Following the formal launch in Madurai, the scheme was rolled out across the State, except in Chengalpattu and Tiruppur, where the Model Code of Conduct was in force in connection with the October 6 Assembly by-elections.

On his arrival at Madurai airport, Mr. Vijay travelled along an 18-km route to the hospital in an open van. People lined both sides of the route and greeted him. The Chief Minister acknowledged the crowd by waving and folding his hands, and stopped at several places to exchange greetings.

Later, he inaugurated the renovated Gandhi Museum in Madurai, which was given a facelift at a cost of Rs 10.25 crore while retaining its original character. He was also scheduled to visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, which was consecrated recently.