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EPFO Offers Relief: Settle PF Damage Debt Now!
10 Nov
Summary
- EPFO urges employers to settle pending PF damage disputes.
- Scheme offers reduced rates for eligible defaults until December 28, 2026.
- Interest payment on delayed PF contributions remains mandatory.
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched a critical initiative, VISHWAS 2026, urging employers to settle outstanding provident fund (PF) damage disputes. This one-time scheme, operational until December 28, 2026, offers significantly reduced penalty rates for eligible defaults, aiming to resolve protracted litigation. The damages are recalculated at reduced rates based on the delay duration.
VISHWAS 2026 covers various dispute categories, including those under challenge or with pending final orders. However, the scheme mandates that employers must first clear all interest dues on delayed PF contributions under Section 7Q. Applicants must also agree to cease further appeals. Cases involving fraud or unremitted interest are ineligible.
Employers can apply online through the EPFO Employer Portal, requiring specific documentation and authentication. Upon settlement offer, the revised damage amount must be paid within 15 days. A final settlement certificate will be issued, allowing for the closure of pending proceedings. This time-bound opportunity emphasizes settling liabilities, not waiving them entirely.
