Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday launched a scheme to gift a one-gram 22-carat gold ring to every eligible newborn in government hospitals. The launch took place at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai.

The scheme, called Thaai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, means Maternal Uncle Gold Ring. It carries an annual outlay of Rs 755.83 crore. The first phase will cover 1.28 lakh rings with unique serial numbers and tamper-proof packaging.

Mothers who are permanent residents of Tamil Nadu can apply. They need PICME registration and an RCH ID. Babies born on or after June 22, 2026 are eligible. Maduranthakam and Dharapuram are excluded because bypolls are due there on October 6.

The launch was delayed from September 15 after Vijay went on an overseas trip. Twenty-five newborns received rings at the event. A backlog of babies born since June 22 will be cleared through 107 distribution hubs.

The Opposition questioned why the TN Medical Services Corporation, a drugs-purchasing agency, is buying gold. Vijay’s TVK said legal opinion was taken before the rollout.