Tamil Nadu Awards Work Orders to Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers for Newborn Gold Ring Scheme
The Tamil Nadu government has issued work orders to Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers in a 70:30 ratio to supply one-gram gold rings under the “Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam” scheme. The welfare initiative provides gold rings to infants born in government-run hospitals across the state.
What Happened
According to a press release from the Tamil Nadu Health Department, the state government had previously announced the scheme to present one-gram gold rings to infants born in government hospitals starting from June 22, 2026. A government order was sanctioned for procuring a total of 4,41,667 one-gram gold rings at an overall cost of ₹755.83 crore.
To execute the procurement, the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation floated tenders on July 14 through the “TN Tenders Portal,” attracting bids from approximately 11 commercial firms. Joyalukkas emerged as the lowest bidder, quoting an additional fee of just ₹0.01—excluding the base cost of one gram of gold—to cover overheads including making charges, transit insurance, transportation, and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmarking.
Under the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act and Rules, the lowest rate of ₹0.01 was offered to the remaining 10 participants to determine if any would match it. Kalyan Jewellers was the only firm that agreed to match the lowest quote. Consequently, the government allocated the supply contracts between Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers in a 70:30 ratio.
Key Highlights
- Allocation Ratio: Supply contracts have been awarded to Joyalukkas (70%) and Kalyan Jewellers (30%).
- Initial Supply Volume: The two vendors are expected to deliver a combined total of 1,28,499 one-gram gold rings for a four-month timeframe starting from June.
- Total Procurement Scale: A government order outlines the eventual procurement of 4,41,667 one-gram rings.
- Scheme Budget: The overall projected financial outlay for the scheme stands at ₹755.83 crore.
- Bidding Outcome: Joyalukkas quoted ₹0.01 for ancillary charges such as making, insurance, hallmarking, and delivery, which was matched exclusively by Kalyan Jewellers.
Why This Matters
The allocation operationalises the “Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam,” ensuring that the logistics, hallmarking standards, and procurement framework are established through official competitive bidding channels. By adhering to the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act and Rules, the state locked in minimal overhead expenses for hallmarking, insurance, and transit across the large-scale rollout.
What to Watch Next
The state government has scheduled the formal rollout of the scheme for September 15, marking the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C. N. Annadurai. In the coming months, the suppliers will deliver the initial batch of 1,28,499 rings designated for the four-month window beginning from June.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam?
It is a Tamil Nadu state government scheme designed to gift one-gram gold rings to newborn babies delivered in government hospitals.
Which companies won the contract to supply the gold rings?
Work orders were granted to Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers in a 70:30 allocation ratio.
When is the scheme scheduled to launch?
The formal launch of the initiative is slated for September 15, on the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C. N. Annadurai.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu and statements issued by the Tamil Nadu Health Department.