Title: Landmark Social Welfare Expansion: New Electronic Subsidy Program Launches for Millions
In a significant move to bolster social support, the Iranian government has officially launched the new phase of its Electronic Voucher Subsidy Program, with initial payments now reaching the first three income deciles. This initiative, strongly endorsed by the Parliament and the government, marks a pivotal step in the nation’s social protection strategy.
Parliamentary Backing and Swift Implementation
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Parliament, has emphasized the urgency of implementing the electronic voucher system. He announced that the program’s initial phase, targeting the three lowest-income deciles, must be executed swiftly with all necessary financial resources secured. Plans are already underway to expand the program’s coverage to include seven income deciles, demonstrating a sustained commitment to comprehensive welfare support.
A Targeted Mechanism for Maximum Impact
The core objective of the Electronic Voucher Program is to channel subsidies directly into the provision of essential goods, ensuring the support has the most substantial effect on household livelihoods. Speaker Ghalibaf highlighted the program’s design, which directs aid to the very end of the consumer chain. This mechanism is viewed as a strategic solution for improving the living standards of lower-income families by guaranteeing access to a fundamental basket of goods.
Program Specifications and Beneficiary Allocations
The program features a tiered allocation system to ensure equitable distribution of resources:
| Income Decile | Monthly Allocation (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Deciles 1 to 3 | 500,000 Tomans |
| Other Eligible Deciles | 350,000 Tomans |
The Essential Goods Basket
The subsidy is designated for a carefully selected list of 11 essential items that form the cornerstone of the Iranian household’s nutritional needs:
- Dairy Products: Milk, Yogurt, Cheese
- Protein Sources: Chicken and Eggs
- Staples: Rice, Oil, Sugar, Legumes (Lentils, Beans, Chickpeas), and Frozen Meat
Evolving Strategy: Stabilizing Prices Over Increasing Cash
In response to economic conditions, the government’s approach has evolved. Rather than solely increasing the cash value of the subsidy, the new focus is on price stabilization for essential commodities. The government intends to provide these goods to eligible households based on a preferential exchange rate, a measure designed to shield consumers from market fluctuations and ensure the real value of the support is maintained.
A Secure Future for the Program
A government spokesperson has confirmed that the necessary financial resources for the program’s fifth phase have been secured, assuring its continuation for the core seven income deciles. Final details regarding the precise execution model, including price calculation and distribution logistics, are under active review.
Through these concerted efforts, the program is poised to effectively preserve the purchasing power of beneficiaries, delivering tangible and positive impacts on the tables of Iranian families.