What is Vishwas 2026?

About Vishwas 2026:

• It was launched by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
• It is a one-time dispute resolution initiative to facilitate amicable settlement of disputes relating to levy of damages and penalty-related disputes. 
• The scheme provides employers with an opportunity to settle eligible cases through a transparent, fully digital and time-bound process.
• It has been introduced with the objective of promoting voluntary compliance, reducing litigation, and enabling speedy resolution of long-pending disputes relating to penalty/damages while safeguarding the interests of employees.
• The VISHWAS scheme came into effect on June 29, 2026. It will remain operational for six months from the date of notification.
• The scheme will broadly cover four categories of cases, including:
  • Cases where orders for penalty or damages are under challenge before a judicial forum.
  • Final damages or penalty orders where recovery is pending or only partly made, including Recovery Certificate (RRC) cases.
  • Cases where notices have been issued but final orders for damages or penalty are yet to be passed.
  • Cases where notices for penalty or damages are yet to be issued.
• Exclusion:
  • Cases where damages or penalties have already been fully recovered.
  • Cases involving fraud, misappropriation or deliberate falsification of records.
  • Cases where the applicable statutory interest has not been fully deposited.
• Eligible employers with pending disputes can apply through the EPFO Employer Portal using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or e-Sign.
• Applicants must also furnish an undertaking that no further appeal will be pursued in respect of the dispute settled under the scheme.
• Benefits:
  • It enables eligible employers to settle disputes by offering substantially reduced rates for historical defaults (prior to 14 June 2024), subject to payment of the applicable statutory interest and compliance with prescribed conditions.
  • For employers, the scheme presents a valuable opportunity to regularise legacy EPF compliance issues at a significantly lower financial cost.
  • Although the scheme is primarily directed at employers, employees stand to benefit through quicker resolution of long-pending EPF disputes and improved compliance by establishments.