Title: Fourth Phase of Iran’s Electronic Subsidy Scheme Launches, Reaching Over 21 Million Households
A new phase of Iran’s targeted subsidy program is now underway, marking a significant step in the nation’s social welfare policy. The fourth round of the Electronic Subsidy Card scheme, which began in late September, will run through late November, providing essential commodity support to millions of families.
What is the Electronic Subsidy Card?
The Electronic Subsidy Card is a key support initiative administered by the Ministry of Cooperation, Labour, and Social Welfare. Designed to bolster household livelihoods, the program allows eligible families to use the equivalent of their cash subsidy to purchase essential goods from authorized stores, ensuring support is directed towards basic needs.
Key Details of the Fourth Phase
According to official reports from the program’s headquarters, the current phase demonstrates robust public participation and efficient implementation.
- Eligible Households: Over 21.57 million households are included in this phase.
- Participation Rate: An impressive 87% of eligible families have engaged with the program.
- Financial Allocation: A total credit of 25,555 billion Tomans (approximately 25.5 “Hamta”) was allocated.
- Credit Utilized: To date, 23,000 billion Tomans (93% of the total credit) has been spent through successful purchases.
Purchasing Trends and Popular Items
The program offers a selection of staple goods, with clear purchasing patterns emerging among beneficiaries. Rice, legumes, and cooking oil have accounted for the largest share of purchases in this phase, with rice alone making up 25.9% of all bought items. The full list of eligible goods includes rice, legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans), oil, cheese, pasta, yogurt, milk, chicken, and eggs.
Seamless Integration and Accessibility
The subsidy credit is seamlessly integrated into the national banking system. The amount is deposited into the household head’s bank card on the 20th of each month, coinciding with the cash subsidy deposit. Families can then shop at connected stores or via designated mobile applications, where the subsidy credit is deducted instantly at the point of sale. The system is designed for flexibility, allowing for partial use of the credit and even pre-purchases before the official deposit date.
This ongoing initiative reflects a structured approach to social support, aiming to directly enhance the purchasing power of citizens for essential commodities and contribute to market stability.