Iranian Government Initiates Special Two-Month Installment Plan for Retirees
In a move aimed at bolstering social welfare and supporting the nation’s retirees, the Iranian government has officially launched a new two-month installment purchase plan. This initiative is part of a broader, forward-looking strategy by the Civil Servants Pension Fund to enhance the quality of life for its members.
Overhauling the Pension Equalization System
Hojjat Mirzaei, the Managing Director of the Civil Servants Pension Fund, emphasized the critical need to reform the current pension equalization system. He stated that the existing framework has led to disparities among retirees. To address this, the fund is conducting comprehensive research to analyze the impacts of past decisions. The findings will be presented to policymakers with the goal of rectifying these inequalities and establishing a more equitable system for all.
Settling Debts and Enhancing Insurance Services
During a meeting with fund employees in Yazd province, Mirzaei addressed the fund’s debt to Mellat Insurance Company, which stands at approximately 5 hemt (equivalent to five thousand billion tomans). A portion of this debt is related to retirees’ insurance arrears. He expressed optimism that the allocation of government bonds would lead to a swift settlement of this obligation. Mirzaei also confirmed that efforts to improve supplementary insurance services for retirees are ongoing.
Details of the New Installment Plan
A key new welfare program announced is a cooperative agreement with a contracted company. This scheme will enable retirees to make purchases at 14,000 stores across the country and repay the amount over two months without any interest. Technical issues with the plan have been resolved, and its implementation is set to begin imminently, providing immediate financial flexibility to retirees.
Preserving Institutional Knowledge and Strategic Planning
Mirzaei underscored the importance of retaining the valuable experience of veteran employees. Alongside this, he highlighted the necessity for serious planning to replace staff nearing retirement. The objective of this dual approach is to ensure the continuous provision of high-quality services to retirees without interruption.
This package of measures, from the new installment plan to systemic reforms, represents a significant step towards increasing retiree satisfaction and ensuring greater justice within the pension system. The settlement of existing debts and the focus on human resource expertise remain central priorities in this ongoing effort.