Title: Government Reaffirms Commitment to Electronic Subsidy Card Scheme, Extends Fourth Phase Deadline
In a significant move to support household welfare, the government has extended the utilization deadline for the fourth phase of the Electronic Subsidy Card, reaffirming its commitment to the social support initiative.
Extended Deadline for Essential Purchases
Marjan Dabiri, the spokesperson for the Electronic Subsidy Card scheme, announced that heads of households in the first to seventh income deciles now have until the end of the Iranian month of Aban 1404 to purchase 12 essential goods using their allocated credit. This extension provides millions of families with additional time to secure their essential needs.
Widespread Utilization of Funds
Official reports indicate substantial public engagement with the program. As of the end of last week, the allocated credit for the fourth phase had been fully utilized by 14,838,924 heads of household, demonstrating the scheme’s role in facilitating access to basic commodities.
Credit Allocation and Eligible Goods
The fourth phase credits were deposited in two tranches. Households in the first to third deciles received 500,000 Tomans on 19 Shahrivar, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Those in the fourth to seventh deciles received 350,000 Tomans on 29 Shahrivar. These funds are designated for the purchase of a range of essential items, including dairy products, legumes, rice, red meat, chicken, and eggs. Recently, turkey meat was also added to the list of 11 approved staple goods by the Iran Nutrition Institute.
A Firm Government Commitment
The Head of the Planning and Budget Organization has underscored the administration’s unwavering determination to fulfill the President’s directive for the monthly provision of the subsidy card. “By any means necessary, we must execute the President’s order for the monthly payment of the subsidy card,” the official stated, highlighting the program’s political priority.
Background and Implementation
The Electronic Subsidy Card scheme was launched late last year as a key social welfare policy to support lower-income households. Its initial phases were funded through a $1 billion allocation from the National Development Fund. Following necessary coordination between the Ministry of Welfare and other government bodies, the third phase was activated in early Tir, with all eligible deciles included by mid-Mordad.
Despite economic pressures that prompted discussions on the program’s continuity, the government successfully launched the fourth phase at the end of Shahrivar. While the specific start date for the fifth phase is yet to be announced, senior officials have consistently emphasized the administration’s resolve to continue the support.
The government spokesperson acknowledged the economic pressures on citizens, stating, “We are aware of the issues of inflation and the cost of living for the people, and we have plans to address them.” This reaffirms the state’s focus on household welfare as a central policy objective.
