Centre launches scheme for employers to settle provident fund cases

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched “Vishwas 2026”, a one-time dispute resolution initiative, effective from June 29. In a statement here on Friday (July 17, 2026), the Union Labour Ministry said the scheme would facilitate amicable settlement of disputes relating to levy of damages or penalty on employers under Section 14B of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 and Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020. “The Scheme provides employers with an opportunity to settle eligible cases through a transparent, fully digital and time-bound process,” the statement added. The government had notified the scheme as part of the EPF Scheme, 2026. “It will remain operational for a period of six months from the date of notification,” the release added.