Title: Major Boost for Retirees: First Vice President Unveils Key Social Welfare Reforms on August 16, 2024
Government Prioritizes Retirees and Social Welfare in New Reforms
In a significant address during the inauguration of 65 Social Security Organization (SSO) projects, Iran’s First Vice President, Dr. Mohammad Reza Aref, highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the welfare and healthcare of over 51% of the population, particularly vulnerable groups. He praised the SSO’s efforts under the 14th administration in addressing long-standing challenges, despite economic pressures.
Strengthening Social Security Amid Challenges
Dr. Aref emphasized the pivotal role of public institutions like the SSO in safeguarding citizens’ economic security, especially during crises. He noted the government’s success in managing economic challenges, crediting the Ministry of Welfare and SSO for their resilience. “The Islamic Republic has demonstrated exceptional performance in meeting public needs, even under pressure,” he stated.
Digital Transformation and Transparency
A key focus of the reforms is digitizing services to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. “Digital transformation is no longer optional—it’s essential to cut costs and improve efficiency,” Dr. Aref asserted. He pledged to streamline processes for retirees, ensuring they no longer face unnecessary delays in accessing services.
Fairness and Social Justice
The Vice President underscored efforts to promote social equity, including the rollout of an electronic subsidy system to support low-income households. He acknowledged past grievances but affirmed progress toward reducing disparities under the current administration.
Fiscal Reforms and Accountability
Addressing tax evasion and fiscal imbalances in SSO-affiliated funds, Dr. Aref called for structural reforms to enhance transparency. “Trust must be the foundation of our policies,” he said, urging stricter measures against financial misconduct while prioritizing public confidence.
Major Projects Launched
The ceremony marked the operational launch of 65 SSO projects, including 29 healthcare and insurance initiatives, benefiting 5 million citizens directly. SSO Chief Mostafa Salari detailed achievements such as pension increases, debt clearance to medical centers, and plans to reduce in-person service demands by 90% through digital infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Aref concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to retirees and vulnerable groups, vowing continued reforms to uphold economic stability and social justice. The new measures signal a proactive step toward securing Iranians’ welfare in challenging times.
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