The Management and Planning Organization of Iran (MPO) was one of the largest governmental establishments in Iran. From 1948 until 2007 it was fully responsible for preparing the country's budget.^[1]

Formerly known as the Plan and Budget Organization (PBO), the MPO had a variety of goals and duties, including the evaluation of the country's resources, the preparation of its medium and long term development plans and policies, the preparation of annual budgets, and the monitoring and evaluation of work done under the implemented plans.

In July 2007, the MPO was dissolved after a direct order from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Although the MPO was a state body whose head was appointed by the president, it was relatively independent organisation.^[2] President Ahmadinejad, however, established a new budget planning body directly under his control, a move that may give him a freer hand to implement populist policies blamed for driving up prices.^[3] Economist Fariborz Raiis-Dana said that the decision dealt the coup de grâce to the structure of the national management organization. Iranian MP Esmaeil Gramimoqaddam said that the president's directive is illegal and the parliament opposes his decision. "The president is not authorized to order an alteration or merger of an organization. This is the parliament's job", he added. ^[4]

Recent studies conducted by State Inspectorate Organization (SIO) suggest that in addition to the delays and slow progress of many development projects in Iran, their costs were much higher than the estimates envisaged in preliminary agreements. The organization noted that although the blame should partially be placed on relevant executive bodies, the main responsibility lies with the erstwhile management and planning organization.^[5]

[edit] See also

• Economy of Iran

[edit] Notes

[edit] External links

• Management and Planning Organization of Iran - Official Website