Title: Landmark Reforms Proposed to Bolster Iran’s Social Security System
In a significant move to strengthen Iran’s Social Security Organization, a high-level meeting was held between the organization’s CEO and the Iranian Parliament’s Social Commission. The session focused on a comprehensive package of seven reform proposals designed to safeguard the organization’s resources and streamline its operations.
A Blueprint for Financial and Structural Reform
The proposed reforms, presented by Social Security Chief Mostafa Salari, address several critical areas. A key proposal involves mechanisms for the government to settle its debts to the organization through various means, including cash, bonds, and shares. This initiative is seen as vital for the financial health of the fund, which provides for millions of retirees and beneficiaries.
Further structural changes include a proposal to reintegrate the Workers’ Welfare Bank into the Social Security Organization, reinforcing its financial arm. Additionally, reforms to Article 86 of the Social Security Law were discussed to better regulate and categorize hazardous occupations, ensuring fairness and accuracy in benefits.
Expanding Coverage and Refining Retirement Policies
The reform package also aims to extend social security coverage to a larger number of workers, including weavers and handicraft artists. Proposed legislative changes would grant the organization greater flexibility in adjusting the contribution shares of employers and the insured to facilitate this expansion.
Another critical point of discussion was the method for calculating the retirement age, with proposals to adjust the average years used in the formula. The meeting also explored regulated pathways for retirees to re-enter the workforce in needed sectors without the termination of their pensions, requiring them to repay a portion of their insurance contributions.
Commitment to Core Mission and Resource Protection
CEO Mostafa Salari emphasized that these reforms are aimed at returning the organization to its primary legal duties, established in 1975. He stressed the importance of preventing irregular payments and obligations that fall outside its core mission, thereby protecting its vast resources.
“The Social Security Organization is a profoundly influential entity, covering approximately 48 million citizens and providing pensions to about 5 million retirees,” Salari stated. He expressed gratitude for the parliament’s cooperation and voiced hope that these legal amendments would ensure the system’s long-term sustainability and efficiency for all its stakeholders.