Tamil Nadu's New Initiative: Thaimaman Gold Ring Scheme for Newborns
Launch of the Thaimaman Gold Ring Scheme
File image of TN CM C. Joseph Vijay (Photo: @KVFC_Official/X)
Chennai, September 19: The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C. Joseph Vijay, is set to introduce the Thaimaman Gold Ring Scheme on September 28. This initiative will provide a one-gram gold ring to every child born in a government hospital.
During a review meeting held at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister evaluated the preparations for the launch and execution of this welfare program.
The government emphasized its commitment to enhancing maternal and child healthcare by offering financial support to pregnant women, ensuring free deliveries and newborn care, providing emergency obstetric treatment, nutritional assistance, and planning for institutional deliveries.
Additionally, the Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation software is being utilized for comprehensive monitoring of pregnant women and infants.
These efforts have led to notable improvements in the state's maternal and child health statistics, according to the official statement.
The Thaimaman Gold Ring Scheme aims to bolster public trust in government healthcare services and celebrate newborns, reflecting the traditional role of maternal uncles in Tamil culture.
Eligible infants born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026, onward will receive a one-gram gold ring.
The official order for the scheme was issued on June 23, and Tamil Nadu sees approximately 780,000 births each year.
As per the National Family Health Survey-6, nearly all deliveries in the state occur in hospitals, with government facilities accounting for about 420,000 deliveries, or 53% of the total. Almost 90% of these deliveries take place at Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care centers.
The government highlighted these statistics as evidence of the public healthcare system's crucial role in ensuring safe deliveries and healthy newborns.
Each gold ring will feature a unique serial number and will be packaged securely to prevent tampering.
In the initial phase, 128,000 rings have been procured. Mothers who are permanent residents of Tamil Nadu and registered on the PICME portal with a Reproductive and Child Health identification number will qualify for this benefit.
Special arrangements have been established at 107 designated hubs to distribute rings to children born between June 22 and the official launch date.
Each hub will cater to up to 100 children daily starting September 28, and thereafter, rings will be given to eligible newborns upon their discharge from government hospitals.