The one-gram gold ring scheme for newborns, the much-touted scheme of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, which was scheduled to be launched on September 15, is likely to be postponed as Vijay is set to travel to London on an official trip.
Health and Family Welfare Minister K.G. Arun Raj, on Wednesday, confirmed the development, saying a new launch date would be announced later. September 15, the birthday of former chief minister C.N. Annadurai, was chosen for the launch as the TVK considers Annadurai one of its ideological leaders. Vijay had announced his government’s decision to introduce the gold ring scheme in the Assembly. The initiative was seen as a symbolic gift to newborns. In fact, tenders were floated for the scheme at a faster pace, with Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers winning the bids. The design and model of the one-gram ring were also reportedly finalised. It was decided that the ring would be placed on a credit card-like object bearing an image of Vijay. Under the scheme, every eligible newborn will receive a one-gram gold ring worth ₹13,060.
The scheme is open to babies born in government hospitals, provided they are the first-born children in their families. Mothers will have to submit proof of residence and identity through documents such as an Aadhaar card and other valid documents. The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation will procure the gold rings and distribute them annually based on requirements. Tamil Nadu records around 7.8 lakh deliveries a year, of which at least 4.2 lakh take place in government institutions.
Vijay’s London trip
Vijay will leave for London late on Wednesday night and will spend close to a week in Britain. During the trip, Vijay is expected to meet several business leaders in London and other parts of England. Sources also say that the chief minister’s team is working on plans to launch sovereign bonds in which the Tamil diaspora can invest to help the state address its financial crunch.
During the London trip, Vijay is also expected to watch actor Ajith Kumar participate in an international racing event at the Silverstone Circuit in the UK. This will be a rare occasion when Vijay and Ajith come together, as the two have long been seen as rivals in Tamil cinema. According to sources, Vijay’s decision to attend the race and the invitation extended by Ajith’s team were among the reasons behind Vijay’s announcement of plans to set up a world-class motorsport city in Chennai.
