A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Agricultural, Rural and Nomadic Insurance Fund and Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization to provide insurance to craftsmen and women among nomads, villagers and residents of small towns.
The fund's extended portfolio would include life, health and disability insurance policies, IRNA reported.
Applicants would have to present their craftsmanship ID card.
"Our country is mostly known for its handicrafts, a fact that underscores our responsibility in the government for supporting the sector," ICHHTO's handicraft deputy Pouya Mahmoudian told the signing ceremony on Monday.
***First Step
"Feelings of insecurity about the future have been haunting our handicraft producers, and we hope the signing of the MoU would be the first step toward allaying those concerns."
Mahmoudian said currently there are 400,000 holders of ICHHTO's craftsmanship card and about two million other people active in the handicraft sector have yet to register with the handicrafts office.
Those unregistered artisans need to receive ICHHTO's card before they can apply for the new insurance policies on offer, he noted.
Managing director of the fund Mohammad Reza Vaez Mahdavi said the new program does not cover people under 50, adding, "The longer the premium payment record, the bigger the pension."
The insured are required to pay a minimum of 200,000 rials ($4.7), making up one-thirds of the monthly premium, and the government, as the employer, has committed to contribute the remainder.
"Under the new initiative, like other social security schemes, craftsman nomads and villagers are provided with guaranteed pension, disability payment, life insurance and other insurance benefits," Vaez Mahdavi said.
He described the MoU as part of the government's effort to empower those active in the handicraft industry.
"We hope to be able to play a more active role in supporting the craftsfolk, particularly the members of rural and nomadic communities," the official added.
