Vishwas 2026 is a one-time dispute resolution scheme launched by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to settle pending cases of penalty and damages against employers for delayed provident fund contributions. Effective from 29 June 2026 and open for six months, it offers employers a transparent, online, time-bound settlement at revised damage rates in return for voluntary compliance, cutting long-pending litigation while protecting employees’ PF interests.
Context
- EPFO launched Vishwas 2026 as a one-time settlement window for disputes over damages and penalties under the EPF laws.
- The scheme is effective from 29 June 2026 and remains operational for six months.
- It covers eligible pending disputes for defaults made before 14 June 2024.
What the Scheme Is
- A one-time dispute resolution scheme for employers with pending damages or penalty cases.
- Implemented by: EPFO under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- Legal basis: Section 14B of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (levy of damages for default); Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020; notified under the EPF Scheme.
A clean PDF of this page with the C4S header — it opens right away, and the link comes to your WhatsApp too.
Objectives
Free live session
NABARD Grade A 2026: 45-Day Final Revision Plan + Daily Targets
🔒 Register to watchLast Sunday’s session · recording8 of the top 10 in NABARD Grade A 2025, Rank 1 included, and Rank 1 back to back before that in 2021 and 2022: all prepared with C4S. Watch last Sunday's session on the 45-day final revision plan now, then join the next one live on Zoom.
In 2 days · Sun, 25 Oct at 7:30 PM IST · 75 minutes · free
- Promote voluntary compliance by employers.
- Reduce long-pending litigation before EPFO authorities, tribunals and courts.
- Ensure faster resolution of EPF disputes.
- Protect the provident fund interests of employees.
Key Features
- Fully online, digital application process.
- Transparent and time-bound settlement.
- Applicable to eligible pending disputes over damages and penalties.
- Revised damage rates under the scheme, by length of default: up to 2 months – 0.25 per cent per month; 2 to less than 4 months – 0.50 per cent per month; more than 4 months – 1 per cent per month.
Background: Damages and Interest under EPF Law
- When an employer deposits PF contributions late, EPFO can levy damages under Section 14B and interest at 12 per cent a year under Section 7Q.
- Thousands of such cases remain contested for years; a settlement scheme clears the backlog, much as Vivad se Vishwas did for income-tax disputes.
- EPFO administers three schemes – EPF (1952), Employees’ Pension Scheme (1995) and EDLI (1976) – for more than 7 crore active members.
Important Facts for Examsmost asked
- Vishwas 2026: EPFO, Ministry of Labour and Employment; one-time dispute resolution scheme for employers.
- Effective 29 June 2026; open six months; defaults before 14 June 2024.
- Legal basis: Section 14B, EPF and MP Act 1952; Section 128, Code on Social Security 2020.
- Rates: 0.25 per cent, 0.50 per cent and 1 per cent per month by length of default.
FAQs
Who can apply under Vishwas 2026?
Employers with pending damages or penalty proceedings for PF defaults committed before 14 June 2024, subject to the scheme’s eligibility conditions.
Does the scheme waive the PF contribution itself?
No. The employee’s contribution and interest must be paid; the scheme settles only the damages and penalty component.
Why is it asked in exams?
EPFO schemes, Section 14B damages and dispute-settlement windows are regular questions in RBI, NABARD, SEBI and labour-related exams.
