Chennai, Nov 2026 : The C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government has earmarked Rs 812 crore to provide eight-gram gold coins and pure silk sarees to 60,000 eligible brides during the 2026-27 financial year under the Annan Seer Thittam.
The initiative revives gold-based marriage assistance with revised eligibility conditions and quality standards, marking the return of gold coin distribution under the state’s marriage assistance programme after years of policy changes and implementation disruptions.
According to tender documents issued by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, approximately Rs 1.35 lakh has been allocated per beneficiary for the purchase of an eight-gram gold coin and a silk saree.
The government has prescribed strict specifications for both items. Gold coins must meet 916 purity standards and comply with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmarking requirements. Each coin will carry the Tamil Nadu government emblem on one side, while the reverse will display its weight, purity and hallmarking details.
The silk sarees must be made from 100 per cent pure mulberry silk yarn, with a minimum silk content of 380 grams. Each saree must measure 6.2 metres, including blouse material, and weigh 430 grams. This includes 380 grams of silk and 50 grams of half-fine zari.
Polyester-based zari will be permitted only for decorative work on the borders, pallu and butta designs. Both sides of each saree must feature zari borders measuring 1.5 centimetres.
Under the eligibility conditions, the bride’s family must have an annual income not exceeding Rs 2.5 lakh. Applicants must be residents of Tamil Nadu, and the marriage must take place within the state.
The Annan Seer Thittam replaces the earlier Thalikku Thangam programme introduced during the AIADMK administration, which provided eight grams of gold along with financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to eligible women.
The earlier programme faced implementation difficulties between 2016 and 2019, followed by a growing backlog of applications in 2020 and further disruption during the Covid-19 pandemic.
After coming to power in 2021, the DMK government processed pending applications but stopped accepting fresh registrations. In September 2022, it launched the Pudhumai Pen Scheme, offering monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 to eligible girl students pursuing higher education.
The revived marriage assistance programme aims to provide direct support to economically disadvantaged families while ensuring uniform quality in the distribution of gold coins and silk sarees.
