India's EPFO launches VISHWAS 2026 scheme to settle PF penalty disputes

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced the VISHWAS 2026 scheme, a one‑time, six‑month digital window that began on 29 June 2026. The scheme lets employers resolve long‑pending Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) damage and penalty cases under Section 14B of the EPF Act and Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020, at reduced rates – 0.25 % per month for defaults up to two months, 0.50 % for two‑to‑four months and 1 % for longer defaults. Applicants must first clear all accrued interest and pledge not to pursue further appeals. Applications are submitted online via the EPFO Employer Portal using a digital signature.

The initiative aims to promote voluntary compliance, cut litigation and recover overdue dues. It applies to defaults occurring before 14 June 2024. In a related development, EPFO is also considering a new provident‑fund scheme for gig workers, freelancers and other self‑employed individuals, allowing them to contribute voluntarily on a daily, monthly or annual basis, though the plan has not yet been officially announced.

Both measures are part of the broader Social Security Code, 2020 reforms intended to extend social‑security coverage and improve employer‑employee relations across India.