Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Tamil Nadu Gold Ring Scheme Costs ₹220 Crore Initially
Tamil Nadu plans to give a small gold ring to babies born in government hospitals.
Each ring will contain one gram of 22-carat gold.
The first order includes 1,28,499 rings and is expected to cost about ₹220 crore.
The government has set aside ₹755.83 crore for the scheme for one year.
The final amount can change because gold prices change.
Joyalukkas will provide 70% of the first order, while Kalyan Jewellers will provide 30%.
The government says the rings celebrate babies and mothers and encourage families to choose government hospitals.
Some opposition parties are questioning how the companies were selected and why the medical services corporation is buying jewellery.
The formal launch is scheduled for September 15.
Tamil Nadu has ordered 1,28,499 one-gram, 22-carat gold rings for babies born in government hospitals.
The first batch is estimated to cost ₹220 crore, while the annual budget provision is ₹755.83 crore for 4,41,667 rings.
The final cost may change because the government will pay prevailing market rates for the gold component.
Joyalukkas will supply 70% of the first batch and Kalyan Jewellers 30%, with Joyalukkas quoting a one-paisa service charge.
The government says the scheme will celebrate newborns, honour motherhood, and encourage families to use state-run hospitals; opposition parties questioned the tender and TNMSC’s role.
- Who
- The Tamil Nadu government, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, and eligible mothers and newborns.
- What
- The government is procuring and distributing one-gram, 22-carat gold rings under the Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, or Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme.
- When
- The first batch covers eligible babies born between June and September; the scheme is scheduled to launch on September 15, 2026, with eligibility stated from June 22, 2026, onward.
- Where
- Government-run hospitals and healthcare institutions across Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The government says the scheme will commemorate newborns, celebrate motherhood, strengthen public confidence in government healthcare, and encourage institutional deliveries.
Government Position
Opposition Concerns
Purpose and value
Government Position
The government says the rings are a welfare and celebratory measure that honours newborns and mothers, promotes institutional deliveries, and builds trust in government hospitals.
Opposition Concerns
Opposition parties questioned whether the scheme and its implementation provide sufficient value for public money, while focusing on the procurement process.
Tender outcome
Government Position
The government said Joyalukkas was the lowest bidder with a one-paisa service charge, and that Kalyan Jewellers matched the quote after it was disclosed to the other bidders under applicable rules.
Opposition Concerns
The DMK and AIADMK pointed out that other bidders quoted additional charges ranging from ₹410.97 to more than ₹15,000 and called the result unusual, seeking details about the evaluation.
TNMSC’s role
Government Position
Health Minister Arunraj defended using the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation, saying the scheme supports public healthcare objectives.
Opposition Concerns
Opposition members questioned whether TNMSC, which they said was primarily created to procure medicines and medical equipment and construct healthcare buildings, should procure gold jewellery.
- Scheme name
- Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, also called the Maternal Uncle Gold Ring Scheme
- Ring specification
- One gram of 22-carat gold per ring
- Initial order
- 1,28,499 rings
- Initial estimated cost
- Approximately ₹220 crore, subject to prevailing gold prices
- Annual provision
- ₹755.83 crore for 4,41,667 rings
- Supplier allocation
- Joyalukkas: 89,949 rings, or 70%; Kalyan Jewellers: 38,550 rings, or 30%
- Service charge
- Joyalukkas quoted ₹0.01 per ring, excluding the gold price, for additional costs including processing, insurance, transportation, and BIS stamping
- Launch date
- September 15, 2026
