New Delhi, Sept. 4 -- The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has urged eligible establishments and employers to take advantage of the VISHWAS 2026 scheme, a one-time settlement initiative to resolve long-pending disputes over damages arising from delayed Provident Fund (PF) contributions. The scheme was highlighted in a Press Information Bureau (PIB) press release dated September 3.

The scheme will remain open until December 28, 2026, and the deadline is not expected to be extended.

VISHWAS 2026 offers employers a significant reduction in penalties that can otherwise go up to 37% annually. Under the scheme, damages have been reduced to 0.25% per month for delays of up to two months, 0.50% per month for delays between two and ...