The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a new one-time dispute resolution scheme called VISHWAS 2026.
Launched by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment on July 17, 2026, the scheme is designed to help companies resolve long-pending PF-related disputes without lengthy court battles.
The scheme mainly focuses on disputes involving penalties and damages imposed on employers for violating EPF rules. It also aims to speed up settlements while encouraging businesses to comply with PF regulations.
What is the VISHWAS 2026 Scheme?
According to the ministry, the main goal of the scheme is to encourage voluntary compliance, reduce court cases, and clear old disputes faster.
The entire application process will be fully digital, transparent, and time-bound, making it easier for eligible employers to settle pending matters.
The scheme came into effect on June 29, 2026, and will remain open for six months from the date of notification.
Which Cases Are Covered?
The VISHWAS 2026 scheme applies to four main categories of PF-related disputes:
Pending court cases: Disputes where penalty or damage orders have already been challenged before a court or tribunal.
Pending recovery cases: Cases where final penalty or damage orders have been issued but the recovery is still pending, including cases with a Recovery Certificate (RRC).
Pending orders: Cases where companies have received a show-cause notice but the final penalty order has not yet been issued.
Future notices: Cases where penalty or damage notices are yet to be issued.
Which Cases Are Not Eligible?
EPFO has excluded certain cases from the scheme. These include:
Cases where the entire penalty or damage amount has already been recovered.
Cases involving fraud, fund misappropriation, or deliberate manipulation of records.
Cases where the legally required interest has not been fully paid.
How Can Companies Apply?
Eligible employers can apply through the EPFO Employer Portal by following these steps:
Log in to the official EPFO Employer Portal.
Verify the application using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or e-Sign.
Submit an undertaking confirming that no further appeal will be filed in any court or tribunal after the dispute is settled under the scheme.
How Will Employees Benefit?
The government says employee interests have been kept at the center of the scheme. Once disputes are resolved, blocked PF funds can be cleared faster, helping employees receive their dues without unnecessary delays.
To ensure smooth implementation, EPFO has issued detailed operational guidelines to its zonal, regional, and district offices. It is also setting up dedicated VISHWAS Cells to review applications and resolve cases quickly.
