Title: Iran’s “Justice Shares for Newborns” Initiative: A Long-Term National Investment in the Next Generation
In a strategic move to foster economic justice and support population growth policies, Iran has launched the “Justice Shares for Newborns” program. This initiative grants state-owned company shares to every child born in the country from the Iranian year 1400 (2021) onwards, framing it as a foundational national investment in the future of its youth.
Policy Objectives and Eligibility
The program is designed to promote distributive justice and provide long-term financial backing for the next generation. All children born in 1400 or later are eligible to be enrolled. Recent legal amendments have made participation possible regardless of age, provided other general conditions are met. It is important to note that a potential second registration phase is still under legislative review, meaning details could be subject to change.
The Registration Process
The primary gateway for registration is the government’s smart services portal, my.gov.ir. Parents are required to select the “Childbirth Encouragement Plan” or a similarly named option and complete the application form with their child’s basic information.
Required documents include the child’s birth certificate, the national ID card of the legal guardian, and the national codes for both. For minors, identity verification is conducted through their legal guardian. Crucially, the child must also possess a SEMI (Securities and Exchange Organization) code to finalize the registration and have the shares officially allocated in their name.
The process involves selecting the child’s primary bank and choosing three investment funds from the available options. After registering the child’s Sheba bank account number, the Ministry of Economy takes over the process of allocating the shares, with many steps being automated.
Financial Allocation and Key Restrictions
The allocated share value is determined annually. For a child born in 1402 (2023/2024), the approximate value was 2.3 million tomans. Reported values for previous years were around 1 million tomans for 1400 and 1.5 million tomans for 1401, though these figures can be adjusted with the annual budget.
A central feature of the scheme is a long-term lock-in period. The shares are frozen and cannot be withdrawn or sold until the beneficiary reaches 24 years of age. Early withdrawal is permitted only under specific, legally-defined circumstances, such as official marriage before the age of 24. In the event of the child’s passing, the shares are transferred to their heirs.
Current Status and Official Guidance
Recent public discourse has included speculation about new registration rounds. However, the official government portal has explicitly denied these rumors, confirming that no new registrations are currently active. Legal experts caution that since the legislative framework for a second phase is not yet finalized, all details remain provisional. Parents are strongly advised to rely solely on official announcements from my.gov.ir and avoid unverified news sources.
Strategic Outlook and Significance
Analysts suggest that if implemented with sustained funding and transparent management, the “Justice Shares for Newborns” program could become a significant pillar of long-term financial security for Iran’s youth. The success of the project is seen as dependent on consistent budgetary allocation, meticulous oversight of the investment funds, and clear communication with the public. The initiative represents a forward-looking policy aimed at intertwining the nation’s economic future with the prosperity of its newest generation.
