EPFO Goa Urges Employers to Grab ‘VISHWAS 2026’ Opportunity - 28th July 2026 - Ministry of Labour and Employment - Gazette Notification PDF

Executive Summary The Ministry of Labour & Employment has launched ‘VISHWAS 2026’, a one-time scheme for the amicable settlement of pending provident fund disputes in Goa. Effective from June 29, 2026, the scheme remains open for six months, offering employers a limited-time opportunity to resolve cases at reduced rates of damages. Eligible establishments must apply online through the EPFO Employer Portal to settle financial liabilities and ensure regulatory compliance.

Key Points / Main Content

• Scheme Overview and Legal Framework

  • Introduced for the settlement of disputes related to damages under Section 14B of the EPF & MP Act and Section 128 of the Code on Social Security.
  • Provides a simplified online process to resolve long-pending cases through the EPFO Regional Office, Goa.

• Eligibility and Coverage

  • Covers pending litigation cases and finalized recovery cases where dues are yet to be collected.
  • Applicable to pre-adjudication cases, including those where notices have already been issued or are pending issuance.

• Key Benefits for Employers

  • Significant reduction in the rates of damages for eligible establishments.
  • Opportunity to avoid prolonged litigation before judicial forums.
  • Successful settlement results in the issuance of a digitally signed ‘VISHWAS Certificate’.

• Application Requirements

  • Applications must be submitted via the EPFO Employer Portal using a Digital Signature or e-Sign.
  • Settlement is contingent upon the payment of the applicable interest amount and fulfillment of other prescribed conditions.

Impact Analysis

Employers in Goa Impact Employers benefit from reduced financial liabilities and the closure of long-standing legal disputes. The scheme provides a path to clear pending PF dues without the burden of heavy damages or extended court proceedings. Action Required Eligible employers must apply through the EPFO Employer Portal within the six-month window starting June 29, 2026, pay the required interest, and fulfill all prescribed conditions to receive their VISHWAS Certificate.

EPFO Regional Office, Goa Impact The organization can expedite the settlement of its backlog of dispute cases and improve overall compliance with provident fund provisions across the state. Action Required The office is responsible for processing online applications, verifying payments, and issuing digitally signed certificates to employers who successfully settle their cases.