Chennai, Sep 18: The Tamil Nadu government is set to launch the ‘Thaimaaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam’ (Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme), under which every baby born in a government healthcare facility will receive a 1-gram, 22-carat gold ring.
The scheme, announced by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, is being rolled out on September 15, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai. However, the benefit will be applicable to children born on or after June 22, 2026.
Inspired by the traditional Tamil practice of Thaimaaman Seer, under which a maternal uncle presents gifts to a newborn, the scheme aims to encourage institutional deliveries in government hospitals and reduce the financial burden on families.
For the initial June–September period, the government has ordered 1,28,499 gold rings, requiring around 128.5 kg of 22-carat gold at an estimated cost of ₹220 crore. Around 4.42 lakh rings are expected to be distributed annually.
Joyalukkas will supply 70% of the rings, while Kalyan Jewellers will supply the remaining 30%. Each ring will weigh exactly one gram and carry mandatory BIS hallmarking.
The tender has attracted attention after Joyalukkas quoted a service charge of just ₹0.01 for manufacturing, transportation, insurance and stamping. The company’s bid was significantly lower than those submitted by other participants.
The government has allocated ₹755.83 crore annually for the scheme. However, the final expenditure could vary with fluctuations in gold prices, as the gold component is linked to prevailing market rates.
The scheme is primarily aimed at encouraging more women to choose government hospitals for childbirth. While Tamil Nadu has a high institutional delivery rate, nearly half of deliveries reportedly take place in private hospitals, whose beneficiaries will not be covered under the scheme. (PTI)
