Iran’s Parliament has put forth a bill to provide staple foods such as rice, oil and meat to low-income households.
The bill’s general proposals passed with a vote of 144 to 29 with 23 abstentions. If the details of the provisions are also passed, the government will be responsible for providing nutritional security to vulnerable sectors of society, especially families under the protection of public health and welfare.
Kermanshah representative Abdolreza Mesri told reporters: “In such economic conditions, it is necessary to use such plans to protect the weak and those who cannot afford much.”
The rising inflation that followed the cancellation of government subsidies and the intensification of international sanctions has led to serious concern for low-income households and the possible adverse social consequences of these economic pressures.
The new bill appears to be similar to the ration coupon system implemented in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq War.
