$1000 per Iranian child per year; Ahmadinejad: God asks poor people to get married to solve problems!
In a surprising move, Iranian government today launched the "1 Million Toomans (about $1000) per child" program to encourage marriage and higher birth rate in Iran. In the launch ceremony, Ahmadinejad wished that these newborns fight alongside Mahdi (The promised savior saint or Christ in Shia). He said the critics of the "birth encouragement" program depend too much on the material world in their decision making, and try to bypass God. He then quoted "God almighty asks us to get married if we are facing poverty and hardships in life."
Critics are surprised by the populist program and speech because Ahmadinejad's first Deputy Mr. Rahimi (accused of financial fraud and fraudulent Ph.D. degree) announced just yesterday that the government is seriously fighting the overpopulation problem in Tehran. Rahimi also called "Westerners" worse than goats! (animals) in their environmental protection attitude.
Incessant air pollution and other serious environmental problems have plagued Tehran for years due to overpopulation and poor planning. There are now reports that in parts of Tehran drinking water is unsafe due to contamination with nitrates and heavy metals.
If the Iranian government goes through with the "birth encouragement" plan, it is obligated to deposit (into each newborn's account) 1 Million Toomans per year for 18 years. This translates to a financial burden of 214 Trillion Toomans ($214 Billion in today's dollars) in the next 18 years.
Some analysts believe the populist program which is based on "promisory" bank notes (as opposed to cash) is designed to encourage younger couples to fight hard against any regime change to ensure their children reap thousands in promised benefits when they reach 18. According to the program, no withdrawals are allowed before the age of 18.
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