Title: New Electronic Subsidy Vouchers Activated to Support Millions of Iranian Households
Introduction
A significant new phase of the Electronic Voucher Subsidy Scheme has been launched, providing direct support to millions of Iranians. The initiative, which is now active, focuses on delivering essential goods to lower-income households, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social welfare and economic stability.
Parliamentary Backing and Initial Rollout
Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament), has emphasized the importance of swiftly implementing this program. He confirmed that the scheme is being activated for the first three income deciles, with plans already in motion to expand its coverage to seven deciles. Ensuring the necessary financial resources for this expansion is a key priority for both the government and the parliament.
Mechanism and Core Objectives
The program is strategically designed to transfer subsidies directly in the form of essential goods, rather than cash payments. This mechanism aims to maximize the positive impact on household living standards by ensuring support reaches the end of the consumer chain. Ghalibaf highlighted that supplying basic commodities through these vouchers is a fundamental solution for improving the livelihood of society’s lower-income segments.
Allocation Structure
The financial allocation for the vouchers is structured as follows:
- Deciles 1 to 3: 500,000 Tomans per person, per month.
- Other eligible deciles: 350,000 Tomans per person, per month.
Covered Essential Goods
The vouchers are designated for a core basket of 11 essential food items that form the foundation of a family’s nutritional needs:
- Dairy Products: Milk, Yogurt, Cheese
- Protein Sources: Chicken and Eggs
- Groceries: Rice, Oil, Sugar, Legumes (Lentils, Beans, Chickpeas), and Frozen Meat
Strategic Shift: Focusing on Price Stability
In response to economic conditions, the government’s approach is evolving. The new strategy places a greater emphasis on price stabilization for essential goods, rather than solely increasing the subsidy amount. The objective is to shield beneficiaries from market fluctuations by providing these goods at a stabilized rate, thereby preserving the real value of the support they receive.
Future Outlook and Continued Support
A government spokesperson has confirmed that the financial resources for the fifth phase of the Electronic Voucher Scheme have been secured, ensuring the continuation of payments to the core seven deciles. Final details regarding the precise calculation of goods’ prices and distribution management are currently under review.
Through these comprehensive measures, beneficiaries can anticipate a more stable and predictable cost for their essential needs, ensuring that the subsidy program has a tangible and positive impact on their household welfare.