Title: Pensioners and the Path Forward: Addressing Economic Challenges with Resolve
In an interview with the analytical news base What News, Mr. Ali Dehghan Kia, the head of the Tehran Province Retirees’ Association, outlined the current economic situation for retirees and the ongoing efforts to address it. He emphasized the government’s attention to their circumstances and the procedural frameworks guiding potential pension adjustments.
Acknowledging Economic Pressures
Mr. Dehghan Kia acknowledged the financial challenges many retirees face, noting a disparity between their pensions and the cost of living. He stated that the current pensions, particularly for those on the minimum tier, are impacted by broader economic conditions, including inflation.
“For minimum-wage retirees, the current pension is between 10 to 11 million Tomans,” Dehghan Kia explained. “Even when considering additional support for a spouse or children, bringing the total to 14-14.5 million Tomans, it presents difficulties in the current economic climate.” He pointed to specific pressures, such as the high inflation rate on food items, which heavily impacts household budgets.
A Look at Procedural Frameworks
The association head clarified the official process for any pension increases. “With the end of the year approaching, there are discussions about potential pension adjustments in various public sectors,” he noted. “However, nothing is yet definitive. The budget for the upcoming year must be presented by the government to the Parliament, and any increase will be realized only after its approval.”
Regarding Social Security retirees, Dehghan Kia highlighted that their resources are derived from insurance premiums and that any pension adjustments are subject to the decisions of the High Labor Council. He mentioned that repeated requests have been made to the government to convene a session to discuss wage increases for the second half of the year.
A Call for Support for a Dedicated Generation
Emphasizing the contributions of the retiree community, Dehghan Kia stated, “This hardworking segment of society has spent years striving for the nation’s development and now requires support.” He expressed hope that through the coordinated actions of the government and the Parliament, the living conditions for retirees will see improvement.
Beyond financial concerns, he also touched upon access to suitable healthcare services, noting that with advanced age comes a greater need for medical care, which can be a challenge for some.
The dialogue underscores a focus on finding sustainable solutions within the established legal and economic systems to honor the service of the nation’s retirees.