Rewritten Title: Iran Announces Major Social Welfare Expansion and 5 Million Toman Monthly Stipend as Part of National Support Strategy
Article:
A Nation in Transition: Iran Confronts Demographic Shifts with Proactive Social Plans
In a comprehensive address to the Council for the Organization of Elderly Affairs in Hamadan province, Mr. Javad Hosseini, head of Iran’s State Welfare Organization, outlined a multi-faceted national strategy to address significant demographic changes and expand the country’s social safety net. The announcement included a significant new financial support measure for citizens with disabilities.
Addressing the “Agequake”
A central theme of the speech was Iran’s rapidly aging population. Hosseini presented data showing that 12% of Iran’s population is currently over 60, a figure projected to surge to 31% by 2051. He described this rapid transition as a national priority requiring immediate and strategic planning to avoid a “crisis.”
“The speed of demographic change is so high that if we do not take measures, we will face a crisis,” Hosseini stated, emphasizing the government’s focus on moving from a “risky aging” scenario towards a more secure model for the elderly.
A Sweeping Support Package
The official detailed a wide range of initiatives designed to bolster support for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and female-headed households. Key announcements include:
- New Monthly Stipend: A landmark initiative will provide a monthly payment of 5 million Tomans to 1,200 persons with disabilities who become shareholders in new solar panel projects. This payment is slated to begin after a two-month setup period and is expected to increase over time.
- Nationwide Insurance Coverage: All female-headed households in rural areas of Hamadan province will be covered by free nomadic insurance. The plan also extends free insurance to women in cities with populations under 20,000, ensuring no woman in the province is left without coverage.
- Job Creation and Housing: The plan commits to creating 1,700 new job opportunities in Hamadan province in the upcoming year and providing housing for 200 persons with disabilities.
- Support for the Elderly: Efforts are intensifying to identify and support the elderly, particularly those living alone. Over 53,000 solitary elderly women are already enrolled in empowerment programs nationwide. A draft law for the comprehensive support of the elderly is also being fast-tracked.
A Holistic National Approach
Hosseini framed these measures as part of a broader governmental effort to manage population waves effectively, from childhood to old age. He highlighted ongoing work to standardize 700 elderly care centers, train thousands of professional elderly caregivers, and implement community-based rehabilitation programs that now cover 95% of Hamadan province.
“The draft law for the protection of the elderly has been prepared and its legal stages are being pursued rapidly,” he affirmed, signaling a legislative push to cement these supports.
This comprehensive package of social and economic initiatives underscores a significant governmental focus on reinforcing the nation’s welfare infrastructure in the face of evolving demographic realities.
