Title: Iran Tightens Subsidy Policy, Links Direct Aid to Military Service Compliance
In a significant move to align social benefits with civic responsibility, the Iranian government has announced a new phase of reforms to its longstanding direct subsidy program. A key measure involves halting cash subsidies for the families of individuals who are absent or have evaded mandatory military service.
A Policy of Discipline and Fairness
The decision, officially confirmed by authorities, is grounded in the Public Conscription Law. Its stated objectives are to reinforce social discipline and ensure the equitable allocation of public funds. Colonel Ali Dadash-Tabar, a police commander, publicly declared that “providing any form of public or state services to absentee conscripts is now prohibited, and their cash subsidies, as well as those of their families, will be cut.”
This policy shift is part of a broader governmental effort to refine the subsidy system, which for over a decade has served as a key tool to mitigate the impact of inflation for citizens.
Legal Foundations and National Commitment
The government’s action directly references Articles 58 and 63 of the Public Conscription Law. These articles not only mandate the identification and referral of draft evaders to judicial authorities but also explicitly prohibit them from receiving public services, employment, or banking facilities. The suspension of cash subsidies is now being added to this list of legal consequences.
An official government perspective emphasizes that the cash subsidy should be reserved for those who fulfill their national and social obligations. A cited economic expert noted, “The cash subsidy should be used to support law-abiding citizens and social strivers, not as a reward for a lack of commitment.”
Refining the Subsidy Roll
This is the latest in a series of reforms by the administration. Earlier this year, subsidies for nearly 9 million high-income individuals were removed. The new policy targeting absentee soldiers is projected to affect an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 additional recipients, further streamlining the program to focus support on the most vulnerable segments of society.
Broader Implications and Enforcement
Beyond the loss of subsidies, absentee conscripts will face a comprehensive ban on other state services. This includes being barred from obtaining or renewing business licenses, registering for employment exams, acquiring or renewing a passport, receiving bank facilities, and participating in official overseas pilgrimages or tourist trips.
This integrated approach underscores the government’s strategy to use the allocation of public resources as a means to encourage compliance with national laws and strengthen the social contract. The successful implementation of this policy is noted to depend on the accuracy of the national welfare database and close coordination between various executive and supervisory bodies.