Tamil Nadu: The government of India’s Tamil Nadu state has launched a scheme to distribute free gold rings to eligible newborn babies delivered at government hospitals.
According to Indian media reports, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the “Thai Maman Gold Ring Scheme” on September 28. Under the initiative, eligible newborns will receive a one-gram, 22-karat gold ring.
The government says the scheme is intended to encourage childbirth at government hospitals while promoting the welfare of mothers and newborns.
Officials also say the initiative is aimed at strengthening public confidence in government healthcare facilities and encouraging more families to use public hospitals for maternity services.
The scheme provides a material incentive alongside public healthcare services, with the government linking the initiative to maternal and child welfare.