Gold ring supply for Tamil Nadu's newborn scheme begins ahead of launch
Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers have begun dispatching one-gram gold rings for Tamil Nadu's newborn scheme, with deliveries planned in batches.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government's 'Thai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam' scheme has moved a step closer to launch, with the two jewellers awarded the supply contract beginning dispatches of one-gram gold rings from their facilities.
The scheme will provide a one-gram gold ring to newborn babies delivered at government hospitals in Tamil Nadu, provided the parents are residents of the state. The Revised Budget Estimates allocated ₹560 crore for the initiative.
Work orders were issued to Joyalukkas Group and Kalyan Jewellers in a 70:30 ratio for the supply of the rings. Joyalukkas, which emerged as the lowest bidder by quoting a nominal ₹0.01 towards making charges, hallmarking, insurance, and transportation (excluding the cost of gold), has been entrusted with the manufacture and supply of 89,955 rings in the first of four lots.
Joy Alukkas, chairman and managing director of Joyalukkas Group, confirmed that shipping has commenced. The rings are being packed in specially designed pouches that clearly mention the scheme's name, with particular attention given to secure packaging. Manufacturing is being handled through the company's supplier network, with packing concentrated at two dedicated hubs in Chennai and Coimbatore to ensure systematic quality control and dispatch.
Kalyan Jewellers is supplying its required volume of 38,550 rings in planned lots. According to T.S. Kalyanaraman, managing director, the consignments move from the manufacturing unit to the head office for packaging before dispatch. Deliveries are being managed in batches ahead of schedule to cover all 107 locations.
Addressing concerns about feasibility amid fluctuating gold prices, Kalyanaraman noted that fully integrated manufacturing, structured logistics coordination, and real-time order tracking allow the company to maintain tight operational control. Alukkas added that from a commercial standpoint, the government pays for the gold at the prevailing market rate, while the company's responsibility covers manufacture, hallmarking, secure packaging, and distribution.