Title: Government Outlines Welfare Basket: Minister Confirms Subsidy Details, Timelines, and Distribution Mechanism
In a move underscoring the government’s commitment to social welfare, the Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, Ahmad Meydari, has provided key details on the implementation and future of the Electronic Coupon (Kala-Barg) scheme. The minister confirmed unified support for the plan’s continuation, clarifying that recent discussions have centered solely on its financing mechanisms.
Unified Support for Welfare Initiative
Minister Meydari, speaking after a cabinet session, addressed recent comments made by the government spokesperson, Ms. Mohajerani. He firmly stated that there is no disagreement on the fundamental principle of executing the welfare plan. He explained that the spokesperson’s remarks pertained exclusively to the specifics of funding allocation, a matter that is being collaboratively reviewed by a joint committee of the government and the parliament.
Program Rollout and Beneficiaries
The Electronic Coupon scheme was officially launched by the 14th government on March 1, 2025. The program is designed to provide direct financial support to the heads of households in the first to seventh income deciles. The allocated amounts are as follows:
- First to Third Income Deciles: 500,000 Tomans per person.
- Fourth to Seventh Income Deciles: 350,000 Tomans per person.
These funds are designated for the purchase of 11 essential goods, including dairy products, protein items, and groceries. The initiative has reportedly been met with significant public approval.
Adapting to Economic Conditions
To date, the electronic coupons have been distributed to eligible households in four phases. However, in light of recent economic pressures, discussions on potential adjustments to the distribution method have emerged. Minister Meydari confirmed that a new execution method is currently under review and consultation between the government and parliament, with a final decision pending. One proposed model involves stabilizing the prices of goods by procuring items at fixed rates before they are offered to the public.
A Coordinated Government Response
Echoing this sentiment, Government Spokesperson Fattaneh Mohajerani affirmed that reviews are ongoing. “The primary goal of the government is to ensure that price increases do not impose additional pressure on people’s livelihoods,” she stated. She emphasized the government’s concerted efforts, in cooperation with the Market Regulation Headquarters, trade unions, and importers, to alleviate economic strain on households.
Parliamentary Consensus on Pricing
Highlighting the collaborative nature of the process, Shahbaz Hassanpour, a member of the Parliament’s Industries and Mines Commission, outlined a key agreement. He confirmed that in joint government-parliament sessions, it was established that goods allocated through the coupon system would be supplied at a fixed exchange rate of 28,500 Tomans.
“This agreement ensures that these essential goods will be provided to consumers at a stable price, which will be maintained even one year after distribution,” Hassanpour stated. He noted that while previous agreements faced implementation challenges, there is now a stronger consensus between the legislative and executive bodies.
Securing the Next Phase
Following extensive deliberations, the government spokesperson has recently announced that the financial resources for the fifth phase of the Electronic Coupon scheme have been secured. Distributions will continue to target the seven lower-income deciles, reaffirming the state’s focus on supporting vulnerable segments of society amidst economic fluctuations.