In a unique welfare initiative, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is set to launch the ‘Thai Maman Gold Ring Scheme’ across the state. Under this program, every child born in government hospitals will be gifted a one-gram gold ring. To fund the project, the state government has designated an annual allocation of Rs 755.83 crore.

The Chief Minister has already instructed state officials to immediately begin the tender process required to roll out the initiative.

Eligibility and official launch timeline

Children born in government hospitals on or after June 22, 2026—coinciding with the Chief Minister’s birthday—will be eligible to receive the benefit. While the eligibility begins in June, the scheme will see its formal, official launch later in the year on September 15, 2026, marking the birth anniversary of Perarignar Anna.

Cultural roots and inspiration

According to an official government release, the welfare scheme draws direct inspiration from “Thai Maman Seer,” a deeply rooted Tamil cultural tradition where a maternal uncle presents blessings and gifts to a newborn baby. Through this initiative, the state government will symbolically assume the responsibilities of a maternal uncle, presenting the one-gram gold ring as a token of care, affection, and welcome.

The administration noted that the initiative is designed to preserve and reflect Tamil cultural heritage while offering a symbol of support and love to newborns and their respective families.

From election promise to institutional welfare

The ‘Thai Maman Gold Ring Scheme’ originally formed a key component of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s election promises and was highlighted in the government’s ‘Vetri Thamizhagam Vision Document’.

While political organizations in the region have historically distributed gold rings to infants born in government facilities on their leaders’ birthdays, this initiative represents the first time the practice has been institutionalized as an official state government welfare scheme.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Monday delivered his first detailed speech in the state Assembly, using the occasion to respond to critics who had earlier dismissed his party as merely an “actors’ party”.

Addressing the House, Vijay said several people had ridiculed TVK when it entered politics, questioning whether a party led by film personalities could succeed. He, however, asserted that the electoral mandate received by his party had answered those criticisms.

The Chief Minister said political movements should be judged by their commitment to public welfare and governance rather than the backgrounds of those leading them. He stressed that the people of Tamil Nadu had placed their trust in his party and that the government would work to honour that faith.

Vijay invokes leaders who faced criticism

During his address, Vijay recalled that several prominent leaders in Tamil Nadu’s political history had also faced scepticism before rising to power. He said doubts about experience and capability were not new in politics and noted that public support ultimately determines political success.

The TVK leader reiterated his government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and ensuring that the Assembly functions in a democratic manner, with adequate space for both the ruling side and the opposition. He said the interests of the state’s people would remain the government’s top priority.

Vijay’s speech drew attention as it marked his first comprehensive intervention in the Assembly since assuming office as Chief Minister following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday strongly reprimanded party workers after a section of the audience raised slogans in support of DK Shivakumar during a party programme in Bengaluru. Kharge also warned that disciplinary action could be taken against those responsible for disrupting the event.

The incident took place during the ‘Sankalpa Samavesha’ programme, where party leaders had gathered for an organisational event. According to reports, some workers repeatedly chanted “DK-DK” slogans, prompting Kharge to intervene and ask them to maintain discipline.

Visibly upset by the sloganeering, Kharge reminded workers that the gathering was meant for the party and not for promoting individual leaders.

“This is not an individual’s programme, it is a party programme,” Kharge said while stressing that Congress functions as an organisation rather than around personalities.

The veteran leader also expressed displeasure over the disruption, questioning why a few people should dominate proceedings when many others had attended the programme. Referring to his long political career, Kharge said the party had contributed significantly to the rise of many leaders and emphasised the need to uphold organisational discipline.

Warning the workers against similar behaviour in the future, Kharge said footage from the event would be examined and action would be taken if necessary.

“Discipline is always necessary for the party. Whoever is shouting here, there will be footage. I will take disciplinary action after reviewing the footage,” he said.

The episode once again highlighted the importance the Congress leadership places on party discipline during organisational events in Karnataka.