Title: Minister Reaffirms Government Commitment to Pension Security, Outlines Collaborative Welfare Plans
In a clear and direct address, Iran’s Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, Ahmad Meydari, has moved to dispel public rumors regarding the nation’s key social welfare programs. The Minister emphasized that all decisions are made through a collaborative process between the government and the parliament, ensuring stability and continuity for citizens.
Clarifying the Electronic Subsidy Scheme
Responding to recent discussions, Minister Meydari firmly stated that there is “no disagreement” on the implementation of the electronic subsidy scheme. He clarified that comments made by another official pertained solely to the specifics of funding mechanisms, not the policy itself.
“The decision-making regarding the financial resources for this plan is carried out within the framework of reviews by a joint committee of the government and the parliament,” the Minister asserted. “There has been no change in the fundamental implementation of the plan.”
Addressing Pharmaceutical Sector Challenges
The Minister also turned his attention to challenges within the pharmaceutical sector, acknowledging delays in payments to pharmacies. He outlined a concrete plan to resolve the issue, revealing that approved bonds, sanctioned by the heads of the three branches of government, will be offered on the stock market next week by the Social Security Organization.
“Banks will purchase a portion of these bonds,” Meydari explained, “which will then be used to settle the outstanding claims of pharmacies and medical universities.”
Pension and Driver Insurance: A Firm Denial of Changes
In his most definitive remarks, Minister Meydari directly countered rumors about potential changes to taxi drivers’ insurance and pension payments for retirees. He provided an unequivocal assurance that no alterations have been made to these systems.
“No changes have been made in this regard,” he stated. “To date, no decision has been approved by the parliament to cut or mandate compulsory insurance participation for these groups.”
The Minister’s comprehensive explanations serve to reinforce the government’s focus on maintaining social welfare stability. The coordinated approach with the parliament underscores a unified political effort to manage public funds responsibly and address economic challenges through structured, institutional mechanisms.