Entekhab News and Analysis Website (Entekhab.ir):

Tasnim: The deputy chair of the Parliament's Planning and Budget Commission said: We will strive in the budget for a pay rise of at least 30 to 40 percent for employees.

Fereydoun Hemmati, pointing to the importance of raising the salaries of government employees, workers, pensioners and those covered by support institutions in next year's budget, said: Last year's increases were not proportionate to the inflation that had occurred, and despite the commendable endurance of these groups, their living conditions remain difficult.

He added: One of our important issues in next year's budget is raising the salaries of employees, workers, pensioners and those covered by support institutions. The multi-million population of these groups is awaiting the announcement of the percentage of next year's pay rise.

Hemmati, stating that improving the living conditions of these groups also affects the market, said: When these people's living conditions become better, it also affects the market. Therefore, we must examine the resources available to the government, set the priorities, and see which expenses can be set aside for now, so that afterwards we can decide on the percentage of the pay rise.

He stated: Our effort is that next year's pay rise, God willing, will not be less than 30 to 40 percent; of course, we must see what figure the government forecasts and presents in the budget bill. The government also wants a pay rise to happen, but this depends on the resources it has. When there are not enough resources, neither the government nor Parliament will be able to raise more.

The MP, emphasizing the need to curb inflation alongside the pay rise, said: Another important issue is that at the same time as raising salaries, we should have a plan to control inflation. Government employees and pensioners say that if salaries are not going to rise, at least inflation should stay at this level.

Hemmati noted: Therefore, we must pursue two actions simultaneously: first, raising salaries, and second, curbing and controlling inflation using its own specific mechanisms.

Source: Entekhab