Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government’s ambitious “Thaai Maman” gold ring scheme for babies born in government hospitals is likely to be launched on September 25, instead of the previously announced date of September 15.

Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced the scheme on June 23 as part of the government’s efforts to encourage more families to choose public hospitals for childbirth.

Under the initiative, every eligible newborn will receive a one-gram ring made of 22-carat gold as a symbolic gift from the “Thaai Maman”, or maternal uncle.

Although the formal launch was fixed for September 15, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, beneficiaries will include children born in government hospitals from June 22 onwards.

The government has allocated Rs 755.83 crore for implementing the scheme over the next year. Orders have reportedly been placed for 4,41,667 gold rings. Jewellery retailer Joyalukkas secured 70 per cent of the supply contract, while Kalyan Jewellers was awarded the remaining 30 per cent.

However, with only a few days remaining before the proposed inauguration, officials are preparing to reschedule the event because of the Chief Minister’s official visit to London.

Joseph Vijay is expected to leave Chennai for London via Dubai on Thursday on a seven-day visit aimed at attracting business investments to Tamil Nadu. During the trip, he is also reportedly expected to visit Silverstone to watch actor Ajith Kumar participate in a motor race.

The Chief Minister is likely to return to Chennai on the night of September 16. He is scheduled to travel the following day to Madurai to attend the consecration ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

He is also expected to visit Virudhunagar to inaugurate the expansion of the Kamaraj Breakfast Scheme at the school where former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj studied.

Given this packed official schedule, the government is unlikely to launch the gold ring programme on September 15.

Preparations are reportedly underway to inaugurate the scheme at a government hospital in Usilampatti in Madurai district on September 25.

An official announcement confirming the revised date and venue is expected shortly.

The scheme is among the government’s prominent welfare initiatives targeting maternal and infant healthcare.

–IANS

aal/skp