How much will Vijay's gold ring scheme for newborns cost
What's the story
The Tamil Nadu government has issued work orders for a scheme to gift newborns in state-run hospitals with gold rings. The initiative, named "Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam" or Maternal Uncle's Gold Ring Scheme, was announced by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay ahead of the April Assembly election and will be officially launched on 15 September. The scheme aims to encourage institutional deliveries and enhance public confidence in the healthcare system. But how much will the scheme cost the state exchequer?
Implementation plan
Work orders issued to Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers
According to Livemint, the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) has already issued work orders to Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers for the supply of 1.28 lakh gold rings.
The first batch will cost around ₹220 crore and include 22-carat gold rings weighing approximately 128.5kg.
Each ring is priced at ₹14,950 at current rates.
Budget allocation
Who will benefit?
The Tamil Nadu government has earmarked ₹755.83 crore for the supply of 4,41,667 rings over one year.
The scheme will cover children born in state-run hospitals from June 22 onwards.
Eligibility extends to all newborns irrespective of birth order or gender.
Beneficiaries must provide proof of residence through various documents like ration cards or Aadhaar.
Cultural resonance
Gold carries cultural significance in Tamil Nadu
The scheme is a nod to the cultural practice of gifting gold to celebrate a newborn's arrival. It aims to transform public health delivery into a source of community pride while generating institutional goodwill.
"Gold carries profound cultural and emotional resonance in Tamil Nadu," the government order said, highlighting the importance of this gesture.
Political impact
Pre-poll promise of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party
The scheme is a pre-poll promise of Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, which won 107 seats in the Assembly elections.
The gold rings will be procured through TNMSC based on annual indents issued by the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.
The formal rollout of this scheme is scheduled for September 15, coinciding with Dravidian icon CN Annadurai's birth anniversary.