Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has launched the Thaaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, a scheme that provides eligible newborn babies with a free one-gram, 22-carat gold ring. The initiative was launched at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai on September 28, 2026.
The scheme was one of the election promises made by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). It is aimed at honouring motherhood, promoting maternal and child health, and encouraging more families to choose government hospitals and primary health centres for childbirth.
Under the programme, eligible babies born in government healthcare institutions can receive the gold ring. The scheme covers eligible children born from June 22, 2026, subject to the specified conditions, including residency requirements for the mother.
The government has already procured 1.28 lakh gold rings for the initial phase. An annual allocation of ₹755.83 crore has been made for the scheme, reflecting its planned statewide implementation.
The initiative also draws from the traditional Tamil custom of a maternal uncle presenting a gift to a newborn. By combining this cultural tradition with a public healthcare programme, the government intends to strengthen awareness and trust in state-run medical institutions.
The scheme is expected to benefit a large number of families across Tamil Nadu as the government expands its distribution network. Its implementation will focus on eligible newborns delivered through government healthcare facilities across the state.