Madurai (HRNW)- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has launched the ‘Thaai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam’ (Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme), under which eligible babies born in government hospitals and primary health centres will receive a one-gram, 22-carat gold ring. The scheme was launched on September 28 at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai.
During the launch ceremony, Chief Minister Vijay presented gold rings to newborn babies at the hospital. The Tamil Nadu government said the initiative aims to honour motherhood and childbirth, encourage deliveries in government healthcare facilities, and strengthen public confidence in government medical institutions.
The scheme applies to eligible babies born in government hospitals and primary health centres from June 22, 2026. Mothers must meet the state’s eligibility requirements, including being permanent residents of Tamil Nadu and completing registration through the PICME system with an RCH ID.
The state government has reportedly allocated Rs755.83 crore annually for the programme. Around 128,000 gold rings had been procured for the first phase, with distribution planned through designated centres across Tamil Nadu.
The government has said the initiative is intended to encourage safe and institutional childbirth and increase public trust in state-run healthcare services. The scheme is inspired by the Tamil cultural tradition of a maternal uncle giving a gift to a newborn.
The programme has been rolled out across Tamil Nadu, with certain areas temporarily excluded because of the Model Code of Conduct related to upcoming assembly by-elections.
The launch marks the beginning of a statewide welfare programme focused on maternal and child welfare and encouraging the use of government healthcare facilities for childbirth.
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