EPFO urges eligible establishments to settle long-pending EPF damages disputes at substantially reduced rates under VISHWAS, 2026

India, Sept. 3 -- The Government of India has issued a release:

The Government of India has launched VISHWAS, 2026, a one-time settlement scheme that allows employers to close long-pending disputes by paying a sharply reduced penalty amount.The Scheme will remain open until 28 December 2026. Employers are encouraged to apply within this period, as the closing date will not be extended.

Under normal rules, the penalty for late PF deposit can be as high as 37% per year. Under VISHWAS, 2026, the penalty has been reduced as follows:

The Hon'ble Bombay High Court (Pune Bench), in WP No. 4246 of 2018, ordered an employer to apply under VISHWAS, 2026 within two weeks, modified the earlier tribunal order accordingly, and disposed of the writ pet...