MADURAI: In his first official visit to Madurai since assuming office, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay officially launched the state government’s ambitious flagship welfare initiative, the ‘Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam’ (Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme), at the Government Rajaji Hospital on Monday. Fulfilling a key electoral promise of the governing party, the scheme provides a 1-gram 22-carat BIS-hallmarked gold ring to newborns delivered in state-run government healthcare institutions. The initiative is aimed at promoting institutional deliveries, elevating public trust in government healthcare facilities, and celebrating traditional Tamil welfare customs like Thaaimaman Seer.
Under the scheme, which carries an annual budgetary outlay of ₹755.83 crore, each tamper-proof gold ring is stamped with the official emblem of the Tamil Nadu government, an image of the Chief Minister, and a unique tracking serial number. The coverage applies retroactively to eligible infants born in government hospitals on or after June 22, 2026. To handle the backlog for infants born between June and the official launch date, distribution will take place through 107 designated hubs across the state, while new parents will receive the gold ring directly upon discharge. The launch covers nearly all districts except those under active election code restrictions.
Addressing doctors, healthcare workers, and families in Madurai, Chief Minister Vijay emphasized that the government remains deeply committed to public healthcare, maternal health, and social welfare security for every mother and child. While the event drew enthusiastic praise from beneficiary families and state officials, political opponents raised critical questions regarding administrative priorities, citing ongoing civic issues and dairy supply challenges. Despite opposition criticism, the administration has already procured over 1.28 lakh gold rings for the initial rollout phase to cover the state’s estimated 4.2 lakh annual hospital births.
