The Tamil Nadu government has introduced the Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam (maternal uncle gold ring scheme) for babies born in government hospitals across the State. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurated the one-gram gold ring scheme on September 15, 2026, and it will be applicable retrospectively from June 22 (Mr. Vijay’s birthday). The Chief Minister launched the scheme on September 28, at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai.

What is Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam scheme?

The welfare scheme aims to provide a one-gram gold ring to all newborn babies delivered in Tamil Nadu’s government health institutions. The rings will be BIS hallmarked and will bear the logo of the Tamil Nadu government, an image of CM Vijay, and the name of the scheme.

Who is eligible for the scheme?

All newborns delivered in government health institutions in Tamil Nadu on or after June 22, 2026, are eligible for the gold ring. The mother must be a resident of Tamil Nadu, registered under the PICME (Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation) system of the state government, and possess Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) ID. 

Beneficiaries are not required to fill out a separate application form under the scheme. Eligible newborns will receive the benefit through the health institution where the delivery is taking place.

How to avail the scheme?

• The pregnant woman must register under the PICME system and obtain an RCH ID.

• The delivery of the baby must take place in a government health institution in Tamil Nadu.

• After the birth, the mother must submit the prescribed residence proof and other required documents for verification.

• The hospital authorities will verify the delivery records, PICME details, RCH ID, and eligibility conditions.

• After verification, the newborn will receive the one-gram gold ring.

Documents required for the scheme

• PICME registration number

• RCH ID

• Hospital discharge summary or delivery records

Any one of the following documents are required to prove place of residence as Tamil Nadu:

• Aadhaar card

• Ration card

• Voter ID card

• Identity card issued by Labour Welfare Board

• Proof of Address Card issued by Department of Posts

• Nativity certificate

Are both boys and girl children covered?

Yes, the scheme covers both boy and girl children.

Can a baby born in a private hospital receive the gold ring? 

No, only babies born in government-run health institutions can receive the benefit.

Will each ring be unique? 

Each gold ring distributed under the scheme will have a Government of Tamil Nadu logo and will have a unique serial number for tracking purposes.

What is the cost involved for the exchequer?

According to an order issued by the State government on June 23 this year, ₹755.83 crore will be earmarked annually to implement the scheme. The gold rings would be procured for 4,41,667 government hospital deliveries.

How many deliveries take place in Tamil Nadu in a year?

The State records approximately 7.8 lakh deliveries, with institutional deliveries constituting around 99.9% of all births, according to the National Family Health Survey-6. Of these, government health facilities account for nearly 4.4 lakh deliveries, or around 53%. Of the approximately 4.4 lakh annual deliveries recorded at government health facilities across Tamil Nadu, medical college hospitals account for 54%, district and sub-district hospitals for 37%, and primary health centres for 9%.