Tamil Nadu launches gold ring scheme for newborns at government hospitals

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has launched the 'Thamanam Gold Ring Scheme' to distribute gold rings to newborns delivered at government hospitals. The state government has placed orders with jewellers Joy Alukkas and Kalyan Jewellers for the rings. Under the scheme, eligible infants born between June and September will receive gold rings, with 1,28,499 rings to be distributed in the first phase.

The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation issued tenders on 14 July, which saw participation from 11 companies. Joy Alukkas and Kalyan Jewellers won with the lowest bids, offering additional charges of just 0.01 rupee per gram of gold, inclusive of processing, insurance, transport and BIS hallmarking fees. Each ring will weigh approximately one gram.

The scheme is set to be formally implemented on 15 September 2026, coinciding with former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai's birth anniversary. The Chief Minister had announced the scheme ahead of the April assembly elections.