Title: Parliament and Government Finalize Agreement on Enhanced Electronic Subsidy Scheme
In a significant move to bolster economic stability and support household livelihoods, the Iranian Parliament and the government have reached a definitive agreement on the continuation and refinement of the national Electronic Voucher Scheme. This collaborative effort underscores a unified political will to address economic challenges and implement effective social support policies.
A Scheme for Strengthening Livelihoods
The Electronic Voucher Scheme, initially launched by the 13th government, is designed to directly assist low and middle-income families. Under this program, households in the first to seventh income deciles are allocated credit specifically for the purchase of essential goods. The structure provides the first three deciles with 500,000 Tomans per person, while the remaining four deciles receive 350,000 Tomans per person. This credit is exclusively for 11 categories of essential items, including dairy products, protein sources, and staple groceries. The initiative has been met with a generally positive public response since its inception.
Adapting to Economic Realities
Following the implementation of four phases of the scheme, recent economic conditions, including inflation, prompted discussions between government and parliamentary bodies on potential methodological improvements. Ahmad Meydari, the Minister of Cooperation, Labour, and Social Welfare, confirmed that new approaches were under review to enhance the program’s efficacy. One key proposal involved stabilizing the prices of essential goods throughout the scheme’s duration, a measure that would require securing and storing these commodities two months in advance of each phase to ensure supply at predetermined prices.
A Coordinated Response to Inflation
The government has consistently emphasized its commitment to the scheme. In a previous statement, Fatemeh Mohajerani, the Government Spokesperson, affirmed its continuation while noting that amendments were possible to further align with the national directive to alleviate inflationary pressure on families. Acknowledging the reported inflation rate, she detailed the government’s multi-pronged strategy to control prices, which includes coordination with trade unions, the Market Regulation Headquarters, and providing import currency at a specific rate.
Bipartisan Consensus for Market Stability
The newly announced agreement marks a pivotal step forward. Shahbaz Hassanpour, a member of the Parliament’s Industries and Mines Commission, revealed that a joint government-parliament session resulted in a decisive plan. It was agreed that the prices of goods supplied under the scheme will be calculated based on a specific currency rate, insulating them from fluctuations in the open market. Hassanpour stated that the primary objective of this consensus is to stabilize the market and create economic calm. He expressed optimism that, with improved coordination between the legislative and executive branches, the scheme is now on a more effective trajectory.
The Government Spokesperson has since confirmed that the necessary financial resources for the fifth phase of the Electronic Voucher Scheme have been secured. The program will continue to serve its designated households as the government reaffirms its commitment to this vital supportive measure and to maintaining economic resilience.