Labour Code Advisor

Central

Shops and Establishment

Press release on EPFO urges eligible establishments to settle long-pending EPF damages disputes at substantially reduced rates under VISHWAS, 2026

Central published this gazette notification (Gazette ID: central-press-release-on-epfo-urges-eligible-establishments-to-settle-long-pending-epf-damages-disputes-at-substantially-reduced-r) on 2026-09-03, filed under Shops and Establishment. The purpose of this notification is to encourage establishments to avail of the VISHWAS scheme, 2026, and settle long-pending EPF damages disputes at reduced rates, thereby promoting compliance and reducing litigation.

Issue Date
Published
Gazette ID central-press-release-on-epfo-urges-eligible-establishments-to-settle-long-pending-epf-damages-disputes-at-substantially-reduced-r
Category Shops and Establishment
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Statutory Compliance Summary Compliance Deadline: 2026-12-31

Action Required

Employers are required to review their pending EPF damages disputes and consider settling them under the VISHWAS scheme, 2026, at substantially reduced rates to avoid further litigation and penalties. They must submit their applications within the specified timeframe to avail of the benefits under the scheme.

Target Roles:
HR DirectorPayroll ManagerCompliance OfficerEmployer
Industries Impacted:
All

Statutory Penalty Risk

Penalty for non-compliance with EPF regulations, which may include fines and damages as per the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952

Statutes & Rules Amended

  • Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
  • VISHWAS scheme, 2026

Compliance Impact

Action RequiredEmployers are required to review their pending EPF damages disputes and consider settling them under the VISHWAS scheme, 2026, at substantially reduced rates to avoid further litigation and penalties. They must submit their applications within the specified timeframe to avail of the benefits under the scheme.
Compliance Deadline
Statutory PenaltyPenalty for non-compliance with EPF regulations, which may include fines and damages as per the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952

Purpose

The purpose of this notification is to encourage establishments to avail of the VISHWAS scheme, 2026, and settle long-pending EPF damages disputes at reduced rates, thereby promoting compliance and reducing litigation.

Summary

The Central Government has urged eligible establishments to settle long-pending EPF damages disputes at substantially reduced rates under the VISHWAS scheme, 2026, to promote compliance and reduce litigation. This initiative aims to resolve pending disputes and promote a conducive business environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ministry issued this gazette notification (central-press-release-on-epfo-urges-eligible-establishments-to-settle-long-pending-epf-damages-disputes-at-substantially-reduced-r)?
Central issued this notification, published on 2026-09-03.
What is Gazette Notification central-press-release-on-epfo-urges-eligible-establishments-to-settle-long-pending-epf-damages-disputes-at-substantially-reduced-r about?
The purpose of this notification is to encourage establishments to avail of the VISHWAS scheme, 2026, and settle long-pending EPF damages disputes at reduced rates, thereby promoting compliance and reducing litigation.
Where can I find the official PDF for this notification?
The official notification is published by the respective State Government and is linked directly from this page for your reference and download.
What compliance action is required under Gazette Notification central-press-release-on-epfo-urges-eligible-establishments-to-settle-long-pending-epf-damages-disputes-at-substantially-reduced-r?
Employers are required to review their pending EPF damages disputes and consider settling them under the VISHWAS scheme, 2026, at substantially reduced rates to avoid further litigation and penalties. They must submit their applications within the specified timeframe to avail of the benefits under the scheme. The compliance deadline is 2026-12-31.
Who is impacted by Gazette Notification central-press-release-on-epfo-urges-eligible-establishments-to-settle-long-pending-epf-damages-disputes-at-substantially-reduced-r?
This notification primarily targets HR Director, Payroll Manager, Compliance Officer, Employer across the All sector(s).
What are the statutory penalties for non-compliance with Gazette Notification central-press-release-on-epfo-urges-eligible-establishments-to-settle-long-pending-epf-damages-disputes-at-substantially-reduced-r?
Non-compliance with the provisions of this notification may attract: Penalty for non-compliance with EPF regulations, which may include fines and damages as per the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.