Title: New ‘Omid’ Card Initiative Launched to Support Families and National Population Goals
In a significant move to support families and align with national population policies, a new support program titled the ‘Omid’ (Hope) Card for Mothers was officially unveiled this Saturday. The ceremony, which also honored recipients of the National Youthfulness of Population Award, was attended by the President and marked the introduction of this comprehensive family support scheme.
A Strategic National Initiative
Dr. Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi, Secretary of the National Population Headquarters, detailed the new program. She emphasized that the ‘Omid’ Card is a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to implement legal mandates for a youthful population structure and to facilitate child-rearing for families. The initiative stands as a flagship support measure designed specifically for mothers.
Direct Financial Support for Mothers
The core benefit of the ‘Omid’ Card is substantial financial assistance. The card, issued in the mother’s name, will be credited with 2 million Tomans monthly for a period of 24 months following the child’s birth. A key feature of the program is the rollover of funds; any credit not used in a given month will remain available for future use, ensuring flexibility for families.
Nationwide Launch and Eligibility
The program is scheduled for a nationwide launch at the beginning of the next Iranian calendar year (March 2025). Eligibility is universal and straightforward: every child born on or after the first day of the new year will qualify their mother for the ‘Omid’ Card. The program is designed to be inclusive, with no economic decile restrictions, ensuring support reaches all segments of society.
Streamlined Issuance Process
To ensure a smooth and efficient rollout, the National Population Headquarters has coordinated with relevant bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the National Organization for Civil Registration, and the Ministry of Welfare. The ‘Omid’ Card will be issued automatically by the agent bank concurrently with the registration of the birth certificate. For added convenience, the card will be delivered to the mother via post.
Focused Spending for Maximum Benefit
Safeguards have been integrated into the program to ensure the funds are used as intended. The card’s credit will be restricted to the purchase of essential infant items, such as food and clothing. This framework, similar to the electronic coupon system, is designed to directly support the child’s wellbeing and prevent potential misuse.
Secure Funding and Future Potential
The President and the Plan and Budget Organization have undertaken the necessary coordination to fully fund the initiative. Budget allocations of 12 trillion Tomans for the first year and 35 trillion Tomans for the second year have been secured, guaranteeing the program’s stability. Dr. Vahid Dastjerdi also noted that the ‘Omid’ Card platform has the infrastructure to potentially accommodate additional future benefits and facilities for families, signaling a long-term commitment to national population goals.