Title: New Subsidy Scheme Launches to Support Travel for Iranian Educators and Retirees
In a significant move to enhance the welfare of Iran’s educational community, the Culturalians’ Reserve Fund Institute has announced the upcoming rollout of the “Mehr Afarin Culturalians National Plan.” This initiative is designed to provide substantial travel subsidies to over 1.8 million active and retired educators who are members of the institute.
A Landmark Initiative for Educator Welfare
Ali Sadeghi, the Managing Director of the Institute, detailed the plan, which has been developed through the efforts of the Culture Educators’ Economy and Welfare Company. Under this scheme, eligible educators and their families can access accommodation services at three- and four-star hotels by paying only half of the travel cost upfront. The remaining balance can be settled in up to 11 monthly installments, deducted directly from their salaries or pensions.
Director Sadeghi emphasized that the plan’s execution represents a crucial step towards improving the social vitality and overall well-being of educators’ families. He projected that upon full implementation, the program could facilitate travel for over 800 educators and their family members each week.
Comprehensive Travel Packages
The pre-arranged package for a three-night, four-day stay for a member and two family members is priced at 12 million tomans. Each additional person will incur a cost of 4 million tomans. This all-inclusive rate covers accommodation and three full meals daily (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
The program will offer stays at high-quality three-star plus and four-star hotels in key tourist and pilgrimage cities across Iran, including Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Kish, Babolsar, Gorgan, and Chaboksar.
Ensuring Quality and Oversight
Mr. Sadeghi highlighted that beyond signing a memorandum of understanding with the service provider company, the primary focus is on the quality of implementation. He stated that existing capacities and potentials would be leveraged to deliver the best possible service. Subsidiary companies of the Institute in the aviation and tourism sectors will also be utilized to ensure the plan’s success, with the Managing Director personally overseeing its execution.
He further noted that the success of this pilot scheme would pave the way for the operationalization of other welfare programs for members.
A Committee for Dignity and Welfare
In a related development, Shokouhi, the Chairman of the Institute’s Board of Directors, referenced the formation of a Committee for the Dignity and Welfare of Educators. This committee is tasked with reviewing numerous proposals to elevate the level of welfare services for the Institute’s members. He reaffirmed that one of the Institute’s most fundamental duties is to uphold the honor, dignity, and status of the esteemed educational community.
Chairman Shokouhi confirmed that this tourism initiative is based on successful experiences from other companies, and every effort is being made to offer it to educators with minimal imperfections and at a worthy standard.