Landmark Directive Paves Way for Enhanced Pension System Integration
In a significant administrative move, Deputy Peymanian has issued a formal directive announcing the integration of the Iron and Steel Employees’ Support and Pension Institute into the National Pension Fund. This decision, ratified by the Supreme Administrative Council, aims to reform structures, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall efficiency, marking a new chapter for the nation’s retirees.
Details of the Transfer Directive
First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, officially communicated the ratification from the Supreme Administrative Council to the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare and other relevant bodies on September 9. The resolution mandates the transfer of the aforementioned institute, including all its duties, assets, and obligations, to the National Pension Fund.
According to the directive, all movable and immovable properties, shares, documents, debts, and legal claims of the retirees and employees of the steel fund will be transferred to the national fund. Furthermore, the Planning and Budget Organization is tasked with ensuring sufficient credit is allocated in the annual budget for the payment of pensions and benefits to the beneficiaries of this fund.
Implementation Requirements for the Merger
The resolution stipulates that all records of employees, retirees, and pensioners of the steel fund must be transferred to the National Pension Fund within a maximum of two months from the directive’s issuance. The acting head of the National Pension Fund is also mandated to undertake measures for streamlining and integrating processes.
Key Implementation Details:
- Directive Issuance Date: September 9
- Deadline for Record Transfer: Within 2 months of issuance
- Annual Staff Reduction Target: Minimum of 25%
- Merger Objectives: Structural reform, cost reduction, increased productivity
Impact of the Directive on Retirees
Alaeddin Azouji, the acting head of both the National and Steel Pension Funds, emphasized the importance of the merger while assuring that these changes will in no way lead to a reduction in the welfare and medical services provided to steel industry retirees. He noted that while redundant positions will be eliminated, the workforce will not be adversely affected.
Azouji stressed that retirees and employees of the steel fund should have no concerns regarding the changes, affirming that the transfer will be executed in the most efficient manner possible.
Perspectives and Future Outlook
This decision is driven by an approach focused on the integration and more productive utilization of resources. Beyond cost reduction, efforts are aimed at optimizing the managerial structures of these funds. Paramount attention is being paid to the concerns of retirees and parliamentary representatives, ensuring that maintaining the quality of service delivery to retirees remains the core objective of these changes.
The government is committed to ensuring that this integration will not negatively impact the legitimate and legal rights of the stakeholders, particularly the steel retirees who have served in demanding roles within mines and the steel industry, deserving of special consideration.