Chennai: In a major welfare initiative aimed at strengthening maternal and child health, the TVK-led Tamil Nadu government has officially announced the ‘Thaaimaaman Thanga Mothira Thittam’, fulfilling a key pre-poll promise.
Under the scheme, every child born in government hospitals in Tamil Nadu will receive a 1 gram gold ring as a symbolic gift to support families and encourage deliveries in government hospitals. The Tamil Nadu government has earmarked Rs 755.83 crore annually for the scheme.
Children born in government hospitals from 22 June onwards will be eligible to receive the gold ring. The scheme will be formally launched by Chief Minister Vijay on 15 September, the birth anniversary of C.N. Annadurai.
The scheme is part of the broader Vetri Tamizhagham vision document of the government, aimed at providing comprehensive support to mothers and children. A government statement said the scheme is designed to honour and support new mothers while promoting deliveries in government medical institutions. It also seeks to strengthen the emotional and cultural bond by gifting a gold ring, traditionally associated with prosperity and well-being in Tamil culture.
The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of families across the state every year. By providing tangible welfare support right at the time of birth, the government hopes to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for families and boost confidence in the public healthcare system.
The scheme is being positioned as a people-centric programme that directly addresses one of the key promises made during the elections, ensuring that every newborn in Tamil Nadu is given a golden ring. It is one of the first major welfare announcements of its kind in the state focusing specifically on newborns in government facilities.
(Edited by Gitanjali Das)
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