Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches gold ring scheme for newborns in Madurai

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is launching the ‘Thaai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam’ (Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme) in Madurai today, September 28. The welfare initiative provides a one-gram, 22-carat gold ring to eligible newborns born in state-run hospitals. The scheme applies retrospectively to children born on or after June 22, 2026.

The government has allocated an annual outlay of Rs 755.83 crore for the program and has procured 1.28 lakh gold rings for the initial rollout. To ensure transparency, each ring will feature a unique serial number and be provided in tamper-proof packaging. Eligibility is limited to mothers who are permanent residents of Tamil Nadu and are registered under the Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation (PICME) system with a valid Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) ID.

Distribution will be managed through 107 hubs across the state to clear the backlog of eligible infants. For new births, the rings will be presented at the time of hospital discharge. The program aims to strengthen public confidence in government healthcare services and encourage institutional deliveries.

In addition to the launch at Government Rajaji Hospital, the Chief Minister’s visit to Madurai includes the inauguration of the renovated Gandhi Museum and a planned visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple. High-level security arrangements have been implemented across the city to manage the crowds expected during these events.