Tamil Nadu awards gold ring contracts to Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers

The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation has awarded contracts to Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers for the supply of 1,28,499 one-gram gold rings over four months starting June under the State's "Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam" scheme, with deliveries split in a 70:30 ratio between the two jewellers.

Competitive bidding yields minimal markup

Joyalukkas emerged as the lowest bidder in a tender floated on July 14, quoting just ₹0.01 for all charges excluding the cost of gold itself—covering making charges, insurance, transportation, and BIS hallmarking. The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation shared this winning price with the 10 other participating firms under the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act and Rules, inviting them to match the quote. Only Kalyan Jewellers agreed to match the price, leading to work orders being issued to both companies.

Launch tied to Annadurai birth anniversary

The scheme is scheduled to launch on September 15, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C. N. Annadurai. The government had announced in June that babies born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026, onwards would receive one-gram gold rings under the programme.

Wider procurement underway

A government order has been issued for the procurement of 4,41,667 one-gram gold rings in total. The current work orders cover the initial four-month supply requirement of 1,28,499 rings. Eleven firms participated in the bidding process through the TN Tenders Portal.

The State Government allocated ₹755.83 crore for the scheme's implementation. The Health Department confirmed these arrangements in a press release issued on August 22.

Source: The Hindu