Title: Parliament and Government Align on New Subsidy Transition, Set Timelines for Direct Commodity Distribution
In a significant move to refine the nation’s social support system, the Iranian Parliament and Government have outlined a clear, cooperative path forward for the implementation of the electronic commodity coupon system and the related adjustments to cash subsidies.
High-Level Coordination on Subsidy Reform
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Parliament, recently addressed the legislative body, highlighting the consensus reached among the heads of the three branches of government. He confirmed that various critical issues, including the Seventh Development Plan and the laws pertaining to the new coupon system, were thoroughly discussed.
“The hope is that by the end of [the Iranian month of] Mehr, the provision of coupons through traditional methods will be operational,” Ghalibaf stated. “However, the direct distribution of goods via the coupon system will commence in [the month of] Aban, and the government will bear the responsibility for the full execution of this program.”
Phased Implementation of Subsidy Adjustments
A key component of this reform, as mandated by the national budget law for the current year, is the reallocation of resources to strengthen support for lower-income families. The Parliament Speaker affirmed that the process of adjusting cash subsidies for the top three income deciles is being pursued by the government and will be operationally implemented starting in Aban.
He emphasized that this action is strictly in adherence to existing laws. While acknowledging potential challenges related to credit limitations and technical issues, Ghalibaf expressed confidence that through cooperation between relevant institutions, the process will be implemented comprehensively.
According to the budget law, the government is tasked with reallocating resources from this adjustment to fund the electronic commodity coupons for the first to seventh income deciles. A government spokesperson has clarified that this will be a phased process, with one decile being adjusted in each stage.
Ongoing Process and Recourse for Inquiries
This recent announcement is part of an ongoing, lawful process. In previous months, the government has undertaken extensive measures to update the subsidy roster in line with the law. For citizens who have questions or wish to register an inquiry regarding their status, a dedicated support portal (hemayat.mcls.gov.ir) has been established. Authorities have stressed that this online system is the sole official channel for such communications, and in-person visits will not impact the process.
Defined Criteria for the Adjustment
The primary criterion for the cash subsidy adjustment, as defined by the Iranian Statistics Center, is based on monthly household income. The Ministry of Welfare has utilized this data to identify the top three income deciles, ensuring the process is grounded in transparent and statistical metrics to best direct national resources towards those in greater need.
