The Tamil Nadu government has announced a major welfare initiative under which every newborn baby delivered in state-run hospitals will receive a one-gram gold ring. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will officially launch the scheme across the state on September 28, the government confirmed on Friday.
The state government has already completed the procurement of 1.28 lakh gold rings for the first phase of the rollout. To ensure complete transparency and security, each ring will bear an individual serial number and will be handed over to parents in tamper-proof packaging upon discharge.
Eligibility and Vision Behind the Initiative
According to an official release, beneficiaries must be permanent residents of Tamil Nadu to qualify for the one-gram gold ring scheme. The primary objective is to celebrate the birth of newborns while encouraging institutional deliveries across state government hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and medical college facilities.
"Welcoming a child with gold is deeply rooted in our culture. Through this initiative, the state shares the joy of every parent who walks into our government healthcare centres."
— Health Department Official, Tamil Nadu
Expansion of Breakfast Scheme for Upper Primary Students
Alongside the gold ring scheme, Chief Minister Vijay is set to inaugurate the expanded Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme on September 22. The programme, which previously catered to primary schoolchildren, will now include students studying in classes VI to VIII.
The expansion will benefit approximately 15.30 lakh additional students studying across 15,454 government and government-aided schools statewide. The initiative aims to enhance nutrition, curb drop-out rates, and ensure students start their school hours with a healthy morning meal.
Budget Boost and Timeline Details
The decision to roll out the expanded breakfast initiative was finalised during a high-level review meeting presided over by the Chief Minister at the Secretariat. The launch will take place at a government-aided school in Tiruvanmiyur.
The state administration has earmarked an additional budget of ₹217.63 crore for this fiscal year, taking the total allocation for the breakfast programme to ₹724 crore. While the launch was initially scheduled for September 17, it was rescheduled due to the Chief Minister's official investment visit to London.
However, the expanded breakfast scheme will not be introduced immediately in Chengalpattu and Tiruppur districts, where the model code of conduct is currently active ahead of the October 6 assembly by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram.