Five major developments on September 18, 2026: Walgreens India signs MoU for first GCC in India at DLF Downtown Taramani Chennai (250+ jobs); Gold Ring scheme launch confirmed September 28; Vijay reviews UK investment outcomes (Rs 15,300 Cr); Breakfast Scheme Cl 6-8 launches September 22; Anbil Mahesh CCB inquiry.
September 18, 2026 — the first full working day after CM Vijay returned from London — was one of the most action-packed governance days of his term. Five significant developments unfolded at the Secretariat and in the courts, covering investment, welfare and law enforcement.
American pharmacy and healthcare giant Walgreens India Private Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat in the presence of CM Vijay to establish its first Global Capability Centre in India.
| Detail | Confirmed |
|---|---|
| Company | Walgreens India Private Ltd (US-headquartered) |
| GCC location | DLF Downtown campus, Taramani, OMR stretch, Chennai |
| First-year jobs | 250+ high-value positions |
| MoU signed by | Industry, Investment Promotion & Trade Department, Govt of Tamil Nadu |
| Ministers present | Industries Minister S. Keerthana |
The Walgreens GCC adds to Tamil Nadu’s rapidly growing GCC ecosystem. The state already has over 200 GCCs employing more than 3 lakh professionals. The DLF Downtown campus on OMR — one of Chennai’s primary technology corridors — positions Walgreens alongside established GCC players in the area.
At the Walgreens MoU signing: Industries Minister S. Keerthana; Chief Secretary Dr. Mu. Saikumar; Industries Dept Additional Chief Secretary Dr. S. Vijayakumar; Guidance MD & CEO Deepak Jacob; Walgreens GCC Head Umapathy Viswanathan; Walgreens Director Masood Ahmed.
CM Vijay urged Walgreens to explore creating employment opportunities for youth in Tamil Nadu’s Tier-II and Tier-III cities as well, not just Chennai — signalling the government’s push to distribute GCC benefits beyond the metro. Minister Keerthana said: “Partnerships like this reinforce Chennai’s position as a destination for global companies to build, innovate and scale.”
The GCC will focus on technology and business services — a multi-function captive centre, not just transaction support. The DLF Downtown Taramani complex is on the newly designated OMR GCC Corridor — a new corridor designation by the Vijay government as part of its GCC ecosystem strategy.
CM Vijay chaired a dedicated review meeting at the Secretariat to assess launch preparations for the Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram (Gold Ring Scheme). The official announcement: the scheme launches on September 28, 2026.
| Detail | Confirmed |
|---|---|
| Launch date | September 28, 2026 |
| Eligibility | All babies born in government hospitals from June 22, 2026 onwards |
| Gift | 1-gram 22-carat gold ring |
| Annual births in TN | ~7.80 lakh; 4.20 lakh (53%) in govt hospitals |
| Govt hospital deliveries | 90% at CEMONC centres |
| GO authorising scheme | Issued June 23, 2026 |
| Distribution | 107 centres statewide; Joyalukkas 70%, Kalyan 30% |
The scheme — Thaimaman Seer — is part of the Vettri Tamilagam vision to celebrate children born in government hospitals, strengthen public confidence in public healthcare and reflect Tamil cultural tradition. Madras High Court upheld the tender process on September 10.
Following his return from London, Vijay also reviewed the outcomes of the UK investment mission at the Secretariat. The confirmed tally: ₹15,300 crore in MoUs and Letters of Intent, generating 10,000+ direct and indirect jobs across auto components, R&D, renewable energy, power-grid equipment and GCCs.
Vijay additionally chaired two high-level departmental review meetings with senior officials and department heads — resuming regular executive duties one day after returning from the six-day UK trip.
The Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme expansion to Classes 6, 7 and 8 is confirmed to launch on September 22, 2026. Around 15 lakh additional students in government and government-aided schools will receive free breakfast, bringing total beneficiaries to approximately 45 lakh.
Former DMK School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi appeared for CCB questioning as summoned, in connection with the alleged ₹100-crore private school approval fraud. The CCB had raided six sites on September 16, seizing files. DMK president MK Stalin called the raids “blatant political vendetta,” listing multiple governance issues as evidence of government deflection. Anbil Mahesh said he would disprove all charges legally.
The Supreme Court (hearing dated September 17, reported September 18) gave Tamil Nadu 3 more months to identify land for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, emphasising cooperative federalism and student welfare. TN maintains its two-language policy is incompatible with the Navodaya model. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin clarified: “Tamil Nadu is not against Hindi — we are against Navodaya schools.”
Walgreens GCC Gold Ring Sep 28 September 18 2026 Investment Review