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The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched VISHWAS 2026, a one-time dispute resolution scheme to facilitate the amicable settlement of disputes relating to damages and penalties under the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) framework.

About VISHWAS 2026

• VISHWAS 2026 is a one-time dispute resolution initiative launched by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labour& Employment.
• The scheme provides employers with an opportunity to resolve long-pending disputes relating to levy of damages and penalties through a transparent, fully digital and time-bound mechanism.
• The scheme aims to promote voluntary compliance, reduce litigation, and facilitate quicker resolution of legacy disputes while safeguarding employees' social security benefits.
• The scheme came into effect on 29 June 2026 and will remain operational for six months from the date of notification.

Coverage of the Scheme

VISHWAS 2026 covers four broad categories of cases:

• Cases where penalty or damages orders are under challenge before judicial forums.
• Cases where final orders have been passed, but recovery is pending or only partially completed, including Recovery Certificate (RRC) cases.
• Cases where notices have been issued, but final orders are yet to be passed.
• Cases where notices for damages or penalties are yet to be issued.

However, the scheme does not apply to:

• Cases where damages or penalties have already been fully recovered.
• Cases involving fraud, misappropriation, or deliberate falsification of records.
• Cases where the applicable statutory interest has not been fully deposited.

Key Features

Eligible employers can submit applications through the EPFO Employer Portal using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or e-Sign.

Applicants are required to provide an undertaking that no further appeal will be pursued after settlement under the scheme.

The scheme offers substantially reduced rates for historical defaults (prior to 14 June 2024), subject to payment of the applicable statutory interest and fulfilment of prescribed conditions.