EPFO launches VISHWAS, 2026 for settlement of penalty-related disputes

Key facts

• The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched 'VISHWAS 2026', a one-time dispute resolution initiative for amicable settlement of penalty or damages disputes.
• The scheme covers disputes under Section 14B of the EPF & MP Act, 1952 and Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
• Applications must be submitted online through the EPFO Employer Portal using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or e-Sign.
• The scheme came into force on June 29, 2026, and will remain operational for six months.
• It offers reduced damage/penalty rates for defaults prior to June 14, 2024: 0.25% per month for up to two months, 0.50% per month for two to four months, and 1.00% per month for defaults exceeding four months.
• To avail the benefits, employers must fully remit interest payable under Section 7Q of the EPF Act or Section 127 of the Social Security Code before applying.
• Cases involving fully recovered penalties, fraud, misappropriation, falsification of records, or non-deposit of statutory interest are excluded from the scheme.