Final Deadline Set for Fifth Phase of Iran’s Food Voucher Program
In a significant development regarding the nation’s social support system, a final date has been announced for the rollout of the fifth phase of Iran’s electronic food voucher program. This move clarifies the path forward after previous discussions between the government and parliament.
Agreement Reached on Implementation Model
According to recent statements by Ahmad Naderi, a member of the parliament’s presiding board, the government has now complied with the Seventh Development Plan law. The previously debated “provision of goods” model for the lower-income deciles has been officially adopted as the method of implementation. Naderi confirmed that the credits for the first three deciles are slated for deposit imminently, marking a pivotal step in the program’s execution.
Resolving Differences for Public Benefit
Naderi addressed the earlier disagreements between the government and parliament concerning the support mechanism. While the government had initially proposed models involving “credit allocation” or a “20% discount,” the final decision aligns with the explicit stipulation in the electronic food voucher law that support must be provided in the form of direct goods. Naderi characterized the government’s ultimate compliance with the law as a positive step forward, noting that the program’s launch, though initially planned for the previous month, is a welcome advancement for the public.
Payment Structure and Timeline
As declared by the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, the first to third income deciles will receive vouchers valued at 500,000 Tomans. The fourth to seventh deciles will be allocated 350,000 Tomans per person. Naderi emphasized the government’s commitment to completing the process for the first three deciles within the “next one to two weeks,” after which the rollout for the subsequent deciles will commence.
A Program Based on Nutritional Needs
The new framework for the electronic food voucher program, as per the Seventh Development Plan, is designed around providing 2,100 calories deemed essential for each household. This ensures that the first to third income deciles will receive their required essential goods directly. Naderi stated, “The new method of payment means that goods are to be provided to the people, and the government is committed to starting and completing this process within two weeks.”