Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has approved a new welfare programme under which every child born in government hospitals will receive a one-gram gold
ring. The initiative, called Thai Maman Gold Ring Scheme, aims to combine social welfare with a longstanding Tamil cultural tradition.
The programme has been cleared with an estimated annual expenditure of Rs 755.83 crore. Officials have been directed to begin the tender process immediately to ensure timely implementation.
According to the government, the benefit will apply to all eligible children born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026, coinciding with Chief Minister Vijay’s birthday.
The scheme draws inspiration from the Tamil custom of “Thai Maman Seer”, in which a maternal uncle presents gifts and blessings to welcome a newborn child.
Under the new initiative, the state government will symbolically take on that role by gifting a one-gram gold ring to every eligible newborn as a gesture of care and goodwill.
While the eligibility date begins from June 22, the scheme is scheduled to be formally launched on September 15, 2026, marking the birth anniversary of Perarignar Anna.
The government said the programme is intended not only to support families but also to preserve and promote Tamil cultural values.
The Thai Maman Gold Ring Scheme was previously included among the major electoral commitments of the ruling party and was also featured in the government’s Vetri Thamizhagam Vision Document.
Notably, political parties in Tamil Nadu have occasionally distributed gold rings to newborns during leaders’ birthdays. However, this is the first time such a practice has been institutionalised as an official state welfare programme.
