1-Gram Gold Ring Scheme: Complaint Reaches Election Commission Ahead of Bypolls in Tamil Nadu
Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s ‘Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram’ (Maternal Uncle Gold Ring) scheme, under which eligible babies born in government hospitals are to receive a one-gram gold ring, has come under the Election Commission’s scrutiny ahead of the October 6 by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram.
The scheme is scheduled to be formally launched by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on September 28. Children born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026, are eligible for the benefit. The government has already procured the first batch of 1,28,499 rings.
Activist approaches Election Commission
The scheme has also triggered a complaint before the Election Commission. Social activist Saravanan Palanisamy has reportedly lodged a complaint with the poll panel, alleging that implementation of the scheme violates the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The complaint comes at a time when the MCC is applicable in the constituencies where by-elections are scheduled. The allegation is specifically about the timing and implementation of the welfare scheme; the complaint itself does not establish that the scheme has violated election rules.
Reports indicate that the gold-ring scheme will not be rolled out in the areas covered by Madurantakam and Dharapuram while the MCC remains in force, pending the Election Commission’s directions.
What is the Thaimaman Gold Ring scheme?
Under the Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, eligible newborns delivered in Tamil Nadu government hospitals will receive a one-gram gold ring. The rings are being supplied with unique serial numbers and tamper-proof packaging.
The scheme covers babies born from June 22 onwards, with the government treating the benefit retrospectively. The first tranche covers the babies born during the initial months of implementation.
The name of the programme refers to the traditional role of the maternal uncle (‘thaimaman’), who traditionally gives gifts, including gold, to a newborn.
A 1-gram gold ring will be presented to every newborn delivered in government hospitals across Tamil Nadu, retroactive to June 22, 2026.
Chief Minister Vijay is set to officially launch the flagship scheme tomorrow. 🔥❤️💍 pic.twitter.com/tReEvRtn3V
— KARTHIK DP (@dp_karthik) September 27, 2026
₹755.83-crore annual allocation
The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned procurement of 4,41,667 one-gram gold rings for the programme. The Health and Family Welfare Department had invited tenders in July, with 11 firms participating.
According to the department’s procurement information, Joyalukkas emerged as the lowest bidder, while Kalyan Jewellers agreed to match the quoted rate. Work orders were subsequently issued in a 70:30 ratio.
The reported annual financial allocation for the scheme is around ₹755.83 crore.
Why the timing has become an issue
The controversy comes because the scheme is being launched just days before the October 6 by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram. The Election Commission’s restrictions under the MCC therefore become relevant to its implementation in those constituencies.
The reported restriction does not mean that the statewide welfare scheme has been cancelled. Rather, its implementation in the constituencies covered by the MCC is being treated separately from the broader rollout.
The scheme was among the promises made by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in its 2026 election manifesto.
Government’s stated objective
The Tamil Nadu government has said the programme is intended to honour newborns and their mothers and to strengthen public confidence in government healthcare services. The scheme is designed for babies born in government hospitals rather than being linked solely to a particular district or constituency.
With the bypolls approaching, however, the Election Commission’s position on implementation in the two affected constituencies has become an important part of the rollout.
In short: Tamil Nadu’s one-gram gold ring scheme remains a statewide welfare programme, but its implementation in Madurantakam and Dharapuram has come under the MCC-related scrutiny of the Election Commission following a complaint by activist Saravanan Palanisamy.
