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Business Desk – EPFO ​​Vishwas 2026: There is relief news for the companies worried about old matters to Employees Provident Fund Organization i.e. EPFO. EPFO has given an opportunity to settle the pending EPF Damage Cases under Vishwas 2026 Scheme at a lower rate. Eligible institutions can take advantage of this scheme to settle long-running disputes and get out of the legal process.

Institutions have time till December 29, 2026 for application and settlement under this scheme. That means eligible companies can complete the process of settling their old cases within the stipulated time limit.

What is EPFO ​​Vishwas 2026 Scheme?

Vishwas 2026 is a scheme launched to resolve pending damage cases to EPF. Under this, eligible institutions are given an opportunity to settle old cases through mutual resolution.

This facility is for those institutions whose cases to EPF Damage are pending before the Supreme Court, High Court or Central Government Industrial Tribunal i.e. CGIT.

The main objective of this scheme is to reduce long-running disputes and to give eligible institutions an opportunity to settle damages at a lower rate.

At what low rate will the settlement happen?

The rate of damages under Vishwas 2026 will depend on how long the default of the concerned institution remained. The rate as per the rules is as follows:

Less than 2 months: 0.25% per month
2 months to less than 4 months: 0.50% per month
4 months or more: 1% per month

In this way, depending on the period of default, the institute will get a chance to end the case through settlement by paying damages at the fixed rate.

Application has to be made by 29 December 2026

Institutions have time till 29 December 2026 to avail the benefits of this scheme. That is, the companies whose EPF Damage Cases are eligible for the scheme will have to complete the settlement process before the deadline.

It is important for the institutions involved in old cases to first check the status of their pending cases and the eligibility of the scheme.

Why can companies get big benefits?

Legal costs and financial burden for companies may increase if EPF cases remain pending in court or tribunal for a long time. Apart from this, there remains uncertainty for a long time regarding EPF matters to employees and the institution.

Getting the option of settlement at a lower rate under Vishwas 2026 can provide eligible institutions a way to end old disputes. This can provide them relief from the long drawn out legal process and expenses associated with it.

Which institutions should check their eligibility first?

Companies or institutions whose EPF Damage Cases are pending in the Supreme Court, High Court or CGIT should first check whether their case comes under the terms of Vishwas 2026 Scheme or not.

After this, after collecting information about the period of default, applicable damage rate and necessary documents, application for settlement can be made within the time limit.