CM Vijay’s Big Move To Restore Trust In Govt. Hospitals

In what could be seen as a major public-appeasement and pro-poor welfare measure, Tamil Nadu CM Vijay has inaugurated the 1 Gram 22-Carat Gold Ring Scheme for newborn babies. Newborn babies delivered at government hospitals are eligible for the scheme. Called Thai Maman Thanga Mothiram, meaning Maternal Uncle’s Gold Ring, the scheme will be implemented across government hospitals and primary health centres in Tamil Nadu.

To receive the gold ring, the mother must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu. She should also be registered under the Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation system and have a Reproductive and Child Health ID. Beneficiaries must carry an e-KYC-verified Aadhaar card along with any identity or residence document.

Each gold ring will carry a unique serial number and will be packed in tamper-proof packaging. The government said the initiative is intended to celebrate children born in government hospitals while encouraging institutional deliveries and strengthening public trust in government healthcare.

To avoid overcrowding, the government has planned the distribution at designated centres. Each centre will accommodate 25 beneficiaries in the morning and 25 in the afternoon. Village Health Nurses will inform beneficiaries about their allotted date and time.

Beneficiaries have been requested to visit the centres only at their appointed time. The district administration has also arranged transportation for beneficiaries to the designated centres. For babies born after the launch of the scheme, the gold ring will be given at the government hospital where the baby is born.

Meanwhile, the government has also made arrangements to distribute gold rings to newborns who were eligible from June 22 until the launch date. The initiative is part of the government’s Vettri Tamilagam long-term vision. It is based on the Tamil cultural tradition of Thaaimaman Seer, where the maternal uncle presents gifts to a newborn. The government said the scheme aims to promote safe deliveries, strengthen mother and child welfare, and increase public confidence in government healthcare services. The One Gram Gold scheme will be implemented across Tamil Nadu. However, Maduranthakam and Dharapuram have been excluded for now due to upcoming bypolls.