Title: Landmark Reforms Proposed to Strengthen Iran’s Social Security System
In a significant move to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of Iran’s Social Security Organization, key legislative proposals were presented and discussed in a session of the Iranian Parliament’s Social Commission. The proposed reforms aim to safeguard the organization’s resources and refocus it on its core mission.
Proposed Reforms for a Sustainable Future
During the session, seven key amendment proposals were tabled. These initiatives are designed to address long-standing structural and financial challenges. A central proposal involves a comprehensive plan for the government to settle its substantial debts to the Social Security Organization through various means, including cash, bonds, and equity transfers. This measure is seen as crucial for ensuring the financial health of the pension fund.
Other significant proposals include:
- Expanding Insurance Coverage: Measures to extend social security benefits to a wider range of workers, including weavers and artisans.
- Reforming Hazardous Job Classifications: A revision of the criteria for classifying arduous and harmful jobs, introducing a graded system to ensure fairness and accuracy.
- Reintegrating Bank Refah: A proposal to legally return Bank Refah, the financial arm of the organization, to the full oversight of the Social Security Organization.
- Flexible Employment for Retirees: Exploring mechanisms that allow retirees to re-enter the workforce in needed sectors without the termination of their pensions, while contributing a portion of their insurance share.
Official Emphasis on Core Mission and Resource Protection
Mr. Mostafa Salari, the Managing Director of the Social Security Organization, emphasized that the proposals are intended to streamline operations and return the organization to its primary duties. He highlighted that the organization, as a public non-governmental entity, operates based on the contributions of the insured and that past practices have sometimes imposed additional, costly missions outside its legal framework.
He expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the parliamentary representatives and expressed hope that these legal amendments would prevent unauthorized payments and activities that fall outside the organization’s core mandate, thereby protecting its vital resources for current and future pensioners.
This legislative push marks a proactive step by Iranian authorities to modernize the social security infrastructure and ensure its long-term stability for the nation’s workforce and retirees.