Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is preparing to roll out two major welfare measures this September, including a one-gram gold ring for babies born in government hospitals and an expanded free breakfast scheme for Classes 6 to 8. The announcements come as US pharmacy chain Walgreens also prepares to open its first India Global Capability Centre in Chennai.
When will CM Vijay launch the gold ring scheme?
The scheme has an annual allocation of Rs 755.83 crore. The benefit will also cover eligible babies born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026, the birthday of Chief Minister Vijay. Recent reports say Vijay is scheduled to launch the scheme on September 25 from Usilampatti in Madurai district. Before the gold ring programme begins, Vijay is scheduled to launch the expanded Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme in Chennai on September 22. The expansion will bring students in Classes 6, 7 and 8 at government and government-aided schools under the free breakfast programme. Around 15.30 lakh additional students are expected to benefit.
The gold ring scheme was one of the welfare measures announced by the Vijay government after it came to power.
The government has said the benefit will be available without distinction between boys and girls. Under the Thaaimaaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, babies born in Tamil Nadu government hospitals will receive a one-gram gold ring. The scheme takes its name from the Tamil tradition in which a maternal uncle gives gifts to a newborn child. The state has already started preparations to distribute the rings to eligible families. The programme is expected to cover births across government hospitals in Tamil Nadu.
Earlier government announcements had proposed a September launch, but the rollout date has since changed.
