What happened
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, has launched VISHWAS, 2026, a one-time dispute resolution initiative for settlement of disputes relating to levy of damages and penalty under Section 14B of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 and Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
The scheme was notified through G.S.R. 525(E) dated 29 June 2026 as part of the EPF Scheme, 2026. It came into force on 29 June 2026 and will remain operational for six months from the date of notification.
Background and earlier position
Provident fund law already provides for statutory interest on delayed deposits and damages or penalty for defaults. VISHWAS, 2026 is meant to address long-pending disputes, including matters already under judicial challenge, matters in recovery, and matters still at the notice stage.
What the scheme does
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