Title: Iran’s Simin System: A Digital Leap in Streamlining Social Welfare Subsidies
In a significant move to modernize its social welfare infrastructure, Iran has launched the Simin system, a comprehensive digital platform designed to simplify and enhance the management of cash and non-cash subsidies for its citizens.
A Milestone in Digital Transformation
According to Alireza Mousavi Delkhosh, Head of the Information Technology Center at the Subsidy Targeting Organization, the Simin system represents a pivotal step in the digital evolution of Iran’s social welfare system. Built with a service-oriented architecture, the platform integrates with key national databases, including the Civil Registration Organization, the Planning and Budget Organization, and the banking network. This seamless integration facilitates real-time and accurate data exchange, minimizing human error and ensuring the equitable distribution of subsidies to the public.
Core Services of the Simin Platform
The Simin system transforms previously complex, manual procedures into simple, electronic services. Its primary features include:
Effortless Bank Account Registration: Citizens no longer need to visit banks in person to register or change the account number for their subsidies. After authentication via their national ID and a one-time SMS password, users can register their Sheba account number. The system validates this number with the Central Bank’s data, preventing deposits into incorrect accounts.
Automatic Household Data Updates: By directly connecting to the Civil Registration database, Simin instantly updates household information—such as marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. This capability ensures subsidy calculations are precisely based on the current number of household members, eliminating previous delays. For instance, the system automatically adjusts subsidies for a new household following a marriage.
Electronic Voucher Requests: In line with the 2024 budget law, users can opt to convert a portion of their cash subsidy into electronic vouchers through the Simin platform. This credit is designated for purchasing essential goods, aiding in the financial management of lower-income families.
Transparent Subsidy Tracking: The platform provides users with clear and detailed visibility into their cash subsidies. Accessible information includes the exact deposit date, the breakdown of the base amount and any bonuses or deductions, the status of the account, and a complete history of changes and requests.
Future Expansion Plans
The Subsidy Targeting Organization has announced that the Simin system’s services will soon be expanded to include non-cash subsidies. This expansion will cover areas such as pharmaceutical subsidies, guaranteed wheat purchase subsidies for farmers, fuel subsidy quotas, and other forms of governmental financial and credit support. This development will position Simin as a single, unified window for managing all state-provided livelihood assistance.
Enhancing Citizen Services
The Simin system significantly elevates citizen satisfaction by reducing bureaucracy, increasing transparency, and providing easy access to services. This platform not only simplifies subsidy-related processes but also serves as a model for the digitalization of other government services. It is expected to become the central hub for managing Iran’s comprehensive social welfare support system.