Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is set to launch the ‘Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram’ (Maternal Uncle Gold Ring) scheme on September 28, under which newborns delivered in government hospitals will receive a one-gram gold ring.

The scheme will cover eligible babies born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026, with the distribution being carried out retrospectively for those born before the formal launch.

Who Can Get The Gold Ring?

The benefit is available to newborns whose mothers are permanent residents of Tamil Nadu and are registered on the Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation (PICME) system with an RCH identification number.

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The scheme applies to babies delivered in government hospitals. The government has already procured 1.28 lakh rings for the first phase of distribution. Each ring will carry a unique serial number and will be supplied in tamper-proof packaging.

How Will The Rings Be Distributed?

From September 22, the rings will be distributed through 107 hubs. Babies born between June 22 and the scheme's launch will also be covered, with arrangements made to distribute their rings retrospectively.

After the scheme becomes operational, eligible newborns will receive the ring when they leave the government hospital for home.

What Is The Scheme For?

The state government pointed out that the move aims to build up confidence in government hospitals, promote hospital delivery and celebrate the Tamil tradition of giving a gold chain by the maternal uncle at the time of a child's birth.

The state records around 7.8 lakh births annually, with government hospitals accounting for a significant share of deliveries, according to government figures.

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The Election Commission has not permitted the scheme to be launched in the two bye-election-bound constituencies of Madurantakam and Dharapuram, NDTV cites the EC. The state has received clearance for the expansion of its free breakfast scheme, but not for the gold-ring scheme in these constituencies.

The restriction comes ahead of the October 6 Assembly bye-elections.

The Tamil Nadu government has allocated around Rs 755 crore annually for the scheme. The first phase involves 1.28 lakh rings, while the broader programme is intended to cover eligible newborns delivered in government healthcare facilities.