The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has launched Vishwas 2026, a one-time dispute resolution scheme for cases involving damages or penalties imposed on employers under provident fund law. The scheme is designed to clear long-pending disputes through a transparent, fully digital, time-bound process while protecting employees’ interests.
The Labour Ministry said Vishwas 2026 applies to disputes 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 came into force on June 29 and will remain open for six months from notification.
Background and earlier position
Under provident fund law, employers can face damages or penalty for defaults in compliance. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has now added a one-time settlement window to reduce litigation and encourage voluntary compliance.
What changed now
For defaults before June 14, 2024, Vishwas 2026 will recalculate damages or penalty at graded monthly rates based on the length of delay:
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