Explained: What is the Tamil Nadu government’s one-gram gold ring scheme?

The story so far: On March 7 this year, ahead of the Assembly elections, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay had unveiled the party’s first set of poll promises aimed at women and youth during the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the party in Mamallapuram. Among the promises he made, if elected to power, was the rollout of the Thaimaaman Thanga Modhiram Thittam. The scheme envisaged providing a gold ring to all babies born in government hospitals in Tamil Nadu. Now, as Chief Minister, Mr. Vijay has announced the scheduled launch of this scheme. Here’s all you need to know about it.What is the cost involved?According to an order of the State government issued on June 23 this year, ₹755.83 crore will be earmarked annually to implement the scheme. The gold rings would be procured for 4,41,667 government hospital deliveries.How many deliveries take place in Tamil Nadu in a year?The State records approximately 7.8 lakh deliveries, with institutional deliveries constituting around 99.9% of all births, according to the National Family Health Survey-6. Of these, government health facilities account for nearly 4.4 lakh deliveries, or around 53%. Of the approximately 4.4 lakh annual deliveries recorded at government health facilities across Tamil Nadu, medical college hospitals account for 54%, district and sub-district hospitals for 37%, and primary health centres for 9%.Who is eligible for the scheme and what will babies get?A resident of Tamil Nadu is eligible for the scheme. All pregnant women delivering at government institutions should be registered under PICME and have an RCH ID. The scheme extends coverage to all newborns, regardless of birth order.A one-gram (22-carat) gold ring with a blister card will be provided to newborn babies along with a baby care kit. The front of the blister card will carry the Government of Tamil Nadu logo, a portrait of the Chief Minister, and the name of the scheme.How does the scheme work?The scheme will work on a hub-and-spokes model. A group of 94 high-load Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) centres, which account for 82% of government deliveries, will serve as the primary logistical hubs.The Dean of the Medical College Hospital, or the Chief Medical Officer or Medical Superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital or Sub-District Hospital, will be designated as the custodian. The remaining 18% of deliveries are spread across smaller facilities. For these spoke facilities, 24 hubs will act as consolidated distribution nodes.Who will procure the gold rings?The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) will procure the one-gram gold rings and supply them based on the annual indent given by the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. TNMSC-empanelled vendors will supply the rings directly to the 94 hospitals designated as hubs. A State Project Programme Management Unit, a dedicated administrative body, will be set up to implement, monitor, and manage the scheme.Each ring will be securely packed in a transparent polycarbonate blister card with a tamper-evident seal. Each unit will bear a unique serial number corresponding to the batch/lot number, hallmark unique identification, and BIS hallmark/assay certificate details to ensure complete traceability.What was the controversy surrounding the scheme?One of the contentious aspects of the scheme was the decision to entrust the TNMSC, an agency established to ensure the availability of essential medicines in government hospitals, with the procurement of gold rings. Despite opposition from the Opposition parties, the TNMSC recently called for tenders to procure 1,28,499 one-gram gold rings for a four-month period. The work orders were issued to two jewellers in a 70:30 ratio.When the scheme was announced, doctors’ associations had also questioned the administrative burden and cost involved in implementing the Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam.When will the scheme start?Tenders for procuring the gold ring has been issued to the successful bidders. The State government has announced Mr. Vijay will inaugurate the initiative on September 15, the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister and Dravidian stalwart C.N. Annadurai. However, the scheme will be applicable retrospectively from June 22, Mr. Vijay’s birthday. This means babies born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026, onwards will be eligible for a one-gram gold ring.