Title: Iran Enhances Social Welfare with New Electronic Coupon System
In a significant move to bolster social support, senior Iranian officials have detailed the upcoming expansion of the country’s electronic coupon system, set to launch in the Iranian month of Azar (November-December). The new phase aims to provide greater flexibility and purchasing power for citizens.
A Legacy of Support
Ahmad Meydari, the Minister of Cooperation, Labour, and Social Welfare, provided a historical overview, noting that commodity coupons have been a feature of the Islamic Republic’s social safety net in various forms. “Throughout the history of the Islamic Republic, commodity coupons have been provided to the people in different ways,” Meydari stated, referencing their use during the imposed war era to ensure access to essential goods at stable prices.
He explained that management of the program was transferred to his ministry in 2014. While previous administrations implemented the system with limited target communities, the current government has refined the model to stabilize prices for consumers, with the government covering the difference.
The New, Flexible Model
The forthcoming phase, approved after extensive consultations between the government and parliament, introduces a key choice for participants.
“Based on this plan,” Minister Meydari announced, “individuals can receive 500,000 Tomans in credit per person to purchase their chosen goods from 11 approved categories.” Alternatively, citizens will have the option to buy goods with a minimum 20% discount from 12,000 designated stores. This dual-approach is designed to cater to diverse consumer needs and enhance satisfaction.
Building on Past Success
Ehsan Rastami, Head of the Iranian Information and Welfare Centre, highlighted the evolution of these support schemes. He pointed to the success of recent programs like Fajrane and Yasna, which have seen participation from between 12 to 17 million households on average.
Rastami reported that a newly launched initiative has already achieved a preliminary satisfaction rate of over 95%. This new program allocates 500,000 Tomans in commodity credit to the first three income deciles and 350,000 Tomans to the next four, demonstrating a targeted approach to supporting lower-income families.
Targeted Aid for the Most Vulnerable
In a parallel effort to address specific needs, Zahra Qiyoumi, Director General of the Support and Empowerment Office at the Welfare Ministry, announced a new program to combat malnutrition.
“Starting from the beginning of Azar, a monthly commodity basket worth 1.3 million Tomans will be allocated to 260,000 identified children,” Qiyoumi said. This initiative, conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, will target children based on data provided by health centers.
Furthermore, the Yasna plan will be expanded to include infants and pregnant mothers, allowing them to benefit from the electronic coupon system to procure essential nutritional items.
These comprehensive measures reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to improving purchasing power, ensuring food security, and increasing the coverage of support for vulnerable groups across the nation.