EPFO launched ‘Vishwas 2026’, a one-time initiative for dispute resolution. | Photo credit: Hindu
The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has launched ‘Vishwas 2026′, a one-time dispute resolution initiative with effect from June 29. In a statement on Friday (July 17, 2026), the Union Labor Ministry said the scheme will facilitate amicable settlement of disputes relating to recovery of damages or penalties from employers under Section 14B of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Other Provisions Act. 1952 and Section 128 of the Social Security Code, 2020. “The scheme provides employers with the opportunity to settle eligible cases through a transparent, fully digital and time-limited process,” the statement added. The government has notified this scheme as part of the EPF scheme 2026. “It will be valid for six months from the date of notification,” the message added.
The ministry said the aim of the scheme was to promote voluntary compliance, reduce litigation and ensure speedy resolution of long-pending disputes relating to fines/damages, while protecting the interests of employees. It covers cases where fine/damage orders are being challenged in court, final damages/penalty orders where recovery is expected or only partially made, including cases where notices have been issued but final damages/penalty orders have not yet been issued, and cases where penalty/damage notices have not yet been issued.
Under this scheme, losses or penalties for default relating to the period up to 14 June 2024 will be reassessed at the rate of 0.25% per month for defaults up to two months, 0.50% per month for defaults between two and less than four months and 1% per month for defaults over four months. “These preferential rates are intended to encourage employers to resolve existing disputes quickly,” the government added.
Published – Jul 17, 2026 08:27 PM EST.