Rewritten Title:
Subsidy Recipients Alert: Deadline Extended for Electronic Food Voucher Scheme
Government Extends Food Voucher Program to Support Low-Income Families
The Iranian government has extended the Electronic Food Voucher Scheme until the end of Shahrivar month (late September) to ensure continued support for low-income households. Marjan Dabiri, spokesperson for the program, confirmed that over 17 million household heads have already utilized their benefits, with only a small number remaining.
The initiative, approved by the Cabinet, aims to strengthen food security for vulnerable groups by providing subsidized essential goods. Authorities have warned that strict monitoring is in place, and any stores found violating regulations will face immediate suspension of their terminal codes.
High Demand for Rice and Protein Items
Dabiri noted that rice remains the most sought-after commodity under the scheme, followed by legumes, red meat, and poultry. The surge in demand comes amid rising prices, reinforcing the program’s role in easing financial burdens.
Targeted Subsidies: Wealthy Households Excluded
When asked whether the program would continue following the removal of subsidies for wealthier households, Dabiri clarified that while cutting subsidies for the top three income deciles would free up 5 trillion tomans, the scheme requires 25 trillion tomans to cover the remaining seven deciles. Thus, excluding the top earners does not significantly impact funding for the voucher program.
Future of the Scheme Still Under Review
A final decision on the program’s future is pending, but preliminary discussions suggest it may continue only for the first three income deciles. The means-testing process for subsidy recipients is conducted every six months, allowing for adjustments based on changing economic conditions.
Multi-Ministry Coordination Ensures Supply Stability
To address shortages in participating stores, the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade, and Ministry of Labor, Cooperation, and Social Welfare are collaborating closely. Field inspectors monitor supply levels, and any reported shortages are quickly resolved to maintain smooth operations.
This extension underscores the government’s commitment to protecting low-income families amid economic challenges while ensuring transparency and efficiency in subsidy distribution.
