:Mumbai, July 24, 2026

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, has launched two one-time initiatives—VISHWAS, 2026 and AMNESTY, 2026—to help employers resolve long-pending disputes, regularise legacy provident fund trust cases and strengthen social security coverage for employees.

Both schemes came into effect on 29 June 2026 and will remain open for six months.

VISHWAS, 2026: One-Time Dispute Resolution Scheme

VISHWAS, 2026 provides employers with a one-time opportunity to settle disputes relating to damages and penalties under the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 and the Code on Social Security, 2020. The scheme aims to reduce litigation and encourage voluntary compliance through a transparent, fully online and time-bound process.

The scheme covers cases pending before courts and tribunals, matters where recovery is pending, cases where notices have been issued but final orders are yet to be passed, and cases where notices are yet to be issued. Damages for defaults prior to 14 June 2024 will be recalculated at reduced rates, subject to payment of the applicable statutory interest. Cases involving fraud, deliberate falsification of records or those where damages have already been fully recovered are not eligible. Applications can be submitted online through the EPFO Employer Portal using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or e-sign facility.

AMNESTY, 2026: Regularisation of Legacy PF Trusts

AMNESTY, 2026 is a one-time regularisation scheme for eligible establishments operating recognised Provident Fund Trusts without formal exemption under the EPF Act or the Code on Social Security. It provides retrospective regularisation of eligible trusts and offers relief from certain compliance requirements. Pending proceedings relating to dues, damages and interest will be withdrawn in eligible cases, subject to the conditions prescribed under the scheme. Eligible establishments are required to submit an application and complete the prescribed audit process.

To facilitate implementation, EPFO Regional Office, Thane has established dedicated help desks to guide employers on both schemes, assist in filing applications and ensure timely disposal of eligible cases.

Employers under the jurisdiction of EPFO Regional Office, Thane are encouraged to utilise these one-time opportunities to resolve pending disputes, regularise compliance and strengthen social security benefits for their workforce.

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PIB Mumbai | Robin Singh/Parshuram Kor

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