Landmark Legislation: Parliament Approves Comprehensive Pension Reform for Civil Servants
In a significant move to address long-standing concerns, the Iranian Parliament has prioritized and approved major reforms to the pension system for the nation’s civil servants. This development, heralded as a major victory for retirees, underscores the government’s commitment to social welfare and financial security for its dedicated public workforce.
A Top Legislative Priority
The issue of pension reform has been placed at the forefront of the legislative agenda. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, has repeatedly emphasized that resolving the challenges facing pension funds and retirees is the “first priority” for both the Parliament and the government.
In a recent public session, Speaker Ghalibaf stated, “I testify that this issue is a priority. We have consistently emphasized that a specialized and coordinated effort between the government and the Parliament will be undertaken on the issue of pension salary harmonization.” He confirmed that the matter is being integrated into the draft of the Seventh Development Plan to ensure a sustainable and equitable solution.
Key Focuses of the Reform
The approved measures focus on several critical areas:
- Salary Harmonization: A dedicated effort to address discrepancies and shortcomings in the current pension payment structure, ensuring fair and consistent benefits for all retired civil servants.
- Extension of Benefits: The non-discriminatory implementation of a resolution to extend the welfare benefits of active employees to the retirees of each executive body.
- Asset Recovery and Development: In a parallel and significant financial victory, a valuable 117-hectare land parcel in the Shirkooh region has been officially returned to the National Pension Fund after a four-year legal follow-up. This asset is slated for development into productive projects, including industrial agriculture and tourism, to generate increased revenue for the fund and its beneficiaries.
Hojjat Mirzaei, the Managing Director of the National Pension Fund, highlighted the importance of this asset’s return, calling it “good news for all fund members” that provides a fresh opportunity to develop productive projects and increase resources for pensioners.
A Commitment to Retirees
Lawmakers have pledged continuous follow-up to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms. Mohammad Mehdi Shahriari, a member of parliament, affirmed his commitment to “persistently follow up in the Parliament and the Plan and Budget Organization to resolve the problems of civil retirees,” particularly those from the Ministry of Interior.
The comprehensive approach—combining legislative action with strategic asset management—demonstrates a robust and multi-faceted strategy to strengthen the national pension system, safeguard the assets of retirees, and enhance their social and economic well-being.