The Ministry of Labour and Employment has introduced VISHWAS, 2026, a special settlement programme that allows employers to resolve long-standing disputes over delayed Provident Fund contributions by paying substantially lower penalties than normally required. The scheme remains open until 28 December 2026 and has already received backing from multiple High Courts across the country. Employers who have pending PF payment disputes, whether in courts, tribunals, or at the EPFO stage, are now eligible to participate.
How the scheme works and what it covers
Under standard EPFO rules, penalties for late Provident Fund deposits can reach 37 per cent annually. VISHWAS, 2026 reduces these significantly:
- Delays up to 2 months: 0.25% monthly penalty
- Delays between 2 to 4 months: 0.50% monthly penalty
- Delays beyond 4 months: 1% monthly penalty
The scheme applies to disputes involving delayed PF contributions made before 14 June 2024. Eligible cases include those where penalty proceedings are currently pending in courts or tribunals; where EPFO has already issued penalty orders but full recovery is incomplete; where EPFO has served penalty notices but no final order exists; and where payment delays appear in EPFO records without any penalty notice yet issued.
Employers must first pay all outstanding interest on delayed contributions, then apply through the EPFO Employer Portal at https://unifiedportal-emp.epfindia.gov.in. The system automatically calculates the reduced penalty. Once submitted, employers receive 15 days to pay, with an automatic 15-day extension if needed. Upon payment confirmation, EPFO issues a digitally signed Settlement Certificate, which closes all related court or tribunal proceedings.
What this means for you
If your company has unresolved Provident Fund payment disputes, this scheme offers a genuine opportunity to settle at a fraction of the normal penalty cost while closing all legal proceedings. You must act before 28 December 2026, as this date will not be extended. Help is available at 153 EPFO Regional Offices nationwide through dedicated VISHWAS Cells, or contact the toll-free helpline at 1800-180-1820.