Iran’s Welfare Organization Expands Support with New Housing Grants and Empowerment Initiatives
In a comprehensive address, the head of Iran’s State Welfare Organization, Seyed Javad Hosseini, detailed a significant expansion of the organization’s services, emphasizing a strategic shift from direct aid to empowerment and opportunity creation, while announcing new financial support for housing.
A Broadening Mandate for National Service
Hosseini stated that the Welfare Organization, established in 1980 with seven mandates, now operates with 170 distinct missions. He emphasized that the volume of its work is no less than that of any ministry and described the organization as a critical component of national governance that relies on inter-sectoral cooperation to fulfill its duties.
Contrary to the perception that it serves only a specific demographic, Hosseini clarified that the organization provides services to all citizens, with specialized support for its primary beneficiaries. He highlighted nationwide programs, including social emergency services available to every member of society.
Tangible Results in Health and Employment
The official pointed to substantial achievements in public health, noting that 62 million vision screenings have prevented blindness for 550,000 individuals. Similarly, 18 million hearing screenings have saved 50,000 people from deafness. He reported that the prevalence of lazy eye has been reduced to 1.5% in Iran, significantly lower than the global average of 4%.
On employment, Hosseini announced that job creation for persons with disabilities and other beneficiaries surpassed targets, with 71,000 achieving stable employment last year against a goal of 50,000. He affirmed efforts to exceed this figure in the current year.
Strategic Shift: From Subsidies to Empowerment
A key focus of the address was the strategic pivot from pure subsidy payments to empowerment. While the organization currently pays approximately 3,000 billion Tomans in monthly subsidies, the new direction prioritizes creating sustainable livelihoods.
“Giving subsidies is not wrong, but the priority must be placed on empowerment and opportunity creation,” Hosseini stated. “Through empowerment measures, we must reduce the number of subsidy recipients.” This approach includes integrated support through education, skill training, employment, housing, and marriage assistance.
New Housing Grants and Regional Development in Torshiz
Detailing new financial support, Hosseini announced a major housing initiative for eligible citizens. “We provide a 400 million Tomans Qard-al-Hasan loan and a 300 million Tomans non-repayable grant for housing,” he said.
This is part of a broader development package for the Torshiz region, which includes:
- The design of 150 residential units for beneficiaries in the next year.
- Increased employment loans from 150 million to 200 million Tomans.
- Support for the establishment of cooperative and collective businesses to ensure job stability.
- The creation of four solar panel farms, the income from which will support 2,400 individuals with severe employment challenges.
- Coverage of dowry costs for 50% of couples marrying in the region this year.
- Provision of therapeutic service subsidies for over 400 individuals and 4,000 counseling service vouchers.
Hosseini concluded by underscoring the government’s commitment to accessibility and human dignity, stating that the environment must be adapted for people with disabilities, not the other way around. The outlined initiatives reflect a continued focus on enhancing social welfare and fostering self-sufficiency across the nation.