Tamil Nadu has rolled out the ‘Thai Maman Thanga Modhiram’ (Maternal Uncle Gold Ring) scheme for newborns delivered in government hospitals. The programme was inaugurated on September 28 at Madurai’s Rajaji Government Hospital by Chief Minister Vijay.
Under the scheme, all babies born in government hospitals from June 22 this year are to receive a 1-gram, 22-carat gold ring bearing a hallmark stamp. Eligibility requires that the child’s mother be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
Officials said families do not need to submit a separate application. Based on hospital and birth registration records, eligibility will be verified and the ring will be issued directly. If a woman delivers twins, each child will receive a separate ring.
The initiative was part of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s election promises, with the state allocating Rs 755.83 crore annually. In the first phase, 1.28 lakh rings have been procured and are being distributed.
The scheme has drawn public attention as a financial support measure for poor and middle-income families and is also expected to boost trust in government hospitals and increase institutional deliveries. However, some have criticised the annual allocation, arguing it could instead be used for hospital infrastructure, modern equipment, or direct nutrition and healthcare support for mothers and infants.
