EPFO: There is another update for EPFO members. The EPFO has introduced a new initiative called “VISHWAS 2026” to address disputes related to Provident Fund matters. The goal is to facilitate the smooth resolution of conflicts concerning the imposition of compensation under relevant sections of the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and the Code on Social Security, 2020. This initiative, part of the EPF Scheme, 2026, was officially launched on June 29, 2026, and will be operational for six months from that date.

Aim of the VISHWAS, 2026 Scheme:

– Promote voluntary compliance and reduce litigation while ensuring quick resolution of long-standing disputes related to penalties/compensation.
– Safeguard the interests of employees by offering employers a transparent, digital, and time-bound process to settle eligible cases.

Key Points of the Scheme:

– Covers four main categories of cases, including those under judicial review, pending penalty recoveries, cases with pending penalty orders, and cases without issued penalty notices.
– Employers must clear all interest due under relevant laws before applying and commit to refraining from further appeals on resolved disputes.

PF for street vendors and delivery boys too

The EPFO ​​is developing a new system that will provide social security to millions of people who are currently not covered. This will include workers in the unorganized sector, those who work outside factories, gig workers (those involved in delivery or taxi apps) , and those who run small businesses on their own.

Exclusions from the Scheme:

– Provisions for adjusting previously paid penalties, managing pre-deposits for appeals, and fairly resolving pending cases are included.
– However, establishments with fully recovered penalties, cases involving fraud, embezzlement, or record falsification, and instances of incomplete statutory interest payment are not eligible.

Application Process

Applications for the e VISHWAS, 2026 scheme must be submitted online via the EPFO employer portal using Digital Signature Certificate(DSC) or e-signature. This online process streamlines application filing, verification, processing, and issuance of settlement orders within the specified timeframe.