Title: Iran Expands Social Welfare and Development Initiatives in Key Provinces
In a series of announcements from high-level government meetings, Iranian officials have detailed new and expanded social welfare programs, highlighting a focused effort on supporting vulnerable groups and driving provincial development.
Comprehensive Support for Female-Headed Households
During a session of the Parliament’s Social Commission held in Khash County, Seyed Javad Hosseini, the head of the State Welfare Organization, outlined significant new support measures. A key initiative involves providing free social insurance coverage for all identified female-headed households in the county. Of the nearly 900 women identified, over 500 residing in rural areas will be fully covered, with 30% of those in urban areas also included in the plan.
Strengthening Crisis and Social Services
The approved programs include a substantial reinforcement of social emergency services. Plans are underway to equip these services with a new vehicle and a mobile crisis intervention unit, alongside upgrades to “Positive Life” centers. Mr. Hosseini also confirmed that measures have been taken to compensate the dedicated welfare workers in Khash for their services.
Marital and Educational Assistance
In a collaborative effort with the IRGC, an agreement has been reached to provide marriage trousseaus for needy couples. This program aims to cover 50% of the target group’s marriages within the province. Furthermore, educational grants have been allocated to support 2,200 students and university attendees.
Development Projects and Housing Initiatives
The development agenda for Khash includes the completion of 120 semi-finished residential units. Funding for this project is a joint venture, with 50% provided by the Housing Foundation and the remainder by the Welfare Organization. Additionally, a non-repayable grant of 300 million tomans will be allocated by the end of the week for 15 residential units designed for families with two disabled members. New construction for 56 housing units is also slated to begin this year, and a permit has been issued for a 24-hour care center for individuals with disabilities over the age of 14.
Launch of the National “Salam” Plan
Khash County has been selected as the pilot site for the national “Salam” plan. This comprehensive program encompasses 12 diverse educational, cultural, and social initiatives in schools, with the Welfare Organization providing the necessary funding for its implementation.
Parallel Empowerment Efforts in Isfahan
Mirroring the development focus in other regions, empowerment schemes for welfare recipients are also being actively pursued in Isfahan Province. Karim Zare, the head of the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in the province, emphasized the foundation’s pivotal role in reducing dependency among those it supports. The core objective is to revive the capabilities of these families and reintegrate them into the normal cycle of life through programs centered on employment, training, counseling, housing, and healthcare. In collaboration with the Mobarakeh Steel Company, the foundation is leveraging successful models like the “Village Progress and Development” plan to empower the nearly 260,000 individuals under its care.