Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation Launches One-Time Dispute Resolution Scheme The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has initiated “Vishwas 2026,” a one-time dispute resolution program, effective from June 29, 2026. In a statement released on July 17, 2026, the Union Labour Ministry highlighted the scheme’s aim to resolve disputes concerning penalties or damages imposed on employers under specific legal provisions. The initiative, part of the EPF Scheme, 2026, is designed to address long-standing conflicts through a transparent, digital, and time-bound process. The government emphasized that the scheme will remain active for six months from its notification date. The Ministry outlined the scheme’s primary goals: promoting voluntary compliance, reducing litigation, and expediting the resolution of disputes related to penalties or damages. It specifically targets cases where employers face challenges in judicial forums over penalty/damage orders, pending recovery of fines, or incomplete recovery through Recovery Certificates (RRC). Additionally, the scheme covers cases where notices for penalties have been issued but final orders are pending, or where notices have not yet been issued. Under the initiative, employers are required to recalculate damages or penalties for defaults occurring before June 14, 2024. The recalculated rates vary based on the duration of the default: 0.25% per month for defaults up to two months, 0.50% per month for defaults between two and four months, and 1% per month for defaults exceeding four months. The government stated that these reduced rates are intended to incentivize employers to resolve disputes promptly, ensuring compliance while safeguarding employees’ interests.#employees_provident_fund_organisation #epf_scheme_2026 #vishwas_2026 #union_labour_ministry #recovery_certificates
