What this scheme offers
The Thai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam — 'Maternal Uncle's Gold Ring' — gives every eligible newborn in Tamil Nadu a one-gram, 22-carat gold ring, presented as a gift from the Chief Minister in the role of the baby's maternal uncle. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched it at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai on 28 September 2026, but it applies from 22 June 2026, so babies born since then qualify. The ring is BIS-hallmarked, carries a unique serial number and comes in tamper-proof packaging; for births from the launch date the hospital hands it to the mother at discharge. The first phase has 1.28 lakh rings. The scheme was announced in the Revised Budget for 2026-27 on 5 August 2026, and reports differ on its annual cost, so no budget figure is quoted here.
Who is eligible
- The baby must be born alive in a Tamil Nadu government hospital or government primary health centre.
- The mother must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Births on or after 22 June 2026 are covered, even though the formal launch was on 28 September 2026.
- Not eligible: babies born in a private hospital and later admitted to a government hospital, and stillbirths or intrauterine deaths.
Documents required
- The mother's proof of Tamil Nadu residence, such as Aadhaar or ration card
- The delivery record or birth details from the government hospital
- Mother's bank details and mobile number, if the hospital records them
- The hospital's own instructions — the document list has not been published in detail
How to apply
- Deliver at a Tamil Nadu government hospital or primary health centre; there is no separate application form.
- For a baby born from 28 September 2026, the hospital hands over the ring at the time of discharge.
- For a baby born between 22 June and 27 September 2026, ask the hospital where you delivered how and when the ring will be given.
- Keep the delivery record and your residence proof ready, and check the ring's hallmark, serial number and sealed packaging.
- If a ring is refused for an eligible birth, raise it with the hospital superintendent or the district health office.