The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on July 09, 2026, notified regarding the launch of "VISHWAS, 2026, for Amicable Settlement of disputes relating to Damages under Section 14B of Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and 128 of the Code of Social Security, 2020.
The following has been stated:
• It has issued operational guidelines for VISHWAS, 2026, notified under G.S.R. 525(E) dated June 29, 2026, to facilitate the amicable settlement of disputes relating to damages under Section 14B of the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020. The scheme is effective from June 29, 2026, for six months and covers ongoing litigation, unpaid or partially paid damages, and pre-adjudication cases.
• For defaults occurring before June 14, 2024, reduced damage rates of 0.25% to 1% per month are prescribed, subject to full payment of interest under Section 7Q of the EPF Act/Section 127 of the Code and withdrawal of further legal proceedings.
• The circular also prescribes an online application process, verification and approval workflow by EPFO field offices, digital certificate issuance, preparatory responsibilities for regional offices, and a monitoring framework with performance indicators to ensure timely implementation of the scheme.
[Notification no. - Compliance/E-1203096/2025/2823]
