Financial Tribune - As per the amendment, apart from the fixed annual pay raise, the government is also allowed to increase wages of its employees by up to 10%

In the new Iranian year that starts on March 21, the raise in wages for government employees and retirees was approved by the Majlis. The raise is 4 million rials (about $30).

The proposal was approved as an amendment to next year�s budget amid heightened controversy among lawmakers and the government.

Opposing the measure, government officials earlier argued that it would add to the government�s already heavy burden. Mohammad Baqer Nowbakht, head of Plan and Budget Organization, said the move is at odds with MPs� concerns about social justice and supporting low-income groups.