TN CM to launch gold ring scheme Sep 28

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will inaugurate the state's one-gram gold ring scheme for infants born in government hospitals on September 28, the government announced on Friday. A total of 1.28 lakh gold rings have already been procured for distribution under the initial installment. This scheme, known as the Thaimaaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, or maternal uncle gold ring scheme, was one of the election promises made by Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam prior to the April Assembly election, in which the party secured victory.

The gold ring will feature a unique serial number and be packaged in a tamper-proof manner. The scheme has been retroactive since June 22, Vijay's birthday, implying that newborns born in government hospitals from that date forward will be covered under the first phase. The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation acquired the rings through Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers in a 70:30 supply ratio.

The state government has allocated a budget of Rs 755.83 crore annually for supplying 4.41 lakh one-gram, 22-carat gold rings throughout the year. Of this, the first batch of 1.28 lakh rings has been prepared for the September 28 launch. To benefit from the scheme, applicants must be permanent residents of Tamil Nadu, according to the government.

The launch had initially been planned for September 15, coinciding with the birthday of former Chief Minister C N Annadurai. However, it was postponed due to Vijay's official visit abroad.