EPFO Launches VISHWAS 2026 Scheme for Settlement of Penalty-Related Disputes
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, launched 'VISHWAS 2026' in July 2026 — a one-time dispute resolution scheme for the amicable settlement of damages and penalty-related disputes. Legal basis: The scheme covers disputes under Section 14B of the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 and Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020. Notification: VISHWAS 2026 was notified through G.S.R. 525(E) on 29 June 2026 under the EPF Scheme, 2026, and will remain operational for six months from the date of notification. Coverage: cases where penalty or damages orders are under judicial challenge; final orders with pending or partial recovery, including Revenue Recovery Certificate (RRC) cases; cases where notices have been issued but final orders are pending; and cases where penalty/damages notices are yet to be issued. Implementation: EPFO has set up dedicated VISHWAS Cells for smooth implementation of the scheme.
EPFO established: 1952, under the EPF & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 | HQ: New Delhi | Administered by: Ministry of Labour & Employment | Governed by the tripartite Central Board of Trustees (CBT), chaired by the Union Labour Minister | One of the world's largest social security organisations by clientele
EPFO launched 'VISHWAS 2026', a one-time dispute resolution scheme for settling damages and penalty disputes under Section 14B of the EPF & MP Act, 1952 and Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020. • Notified via G.S.R. 525(E) on 29 June 2026, the scheme runs for six months and is implemented through dedicated VISHWAS Cells.