EPFO Regional Office, Chandigarh Organises Awareness Seminar at Mohali Industrial Association on AMNESTY, VISHWAS, EEC 2026 and PM-VBRY Schemes
Chandigarh,
The seminar was held under the chairmanship of Dr. K.P. Singh, Regional PF Commissioner-I, Officer-in-Charge, Regional Office, Chandigarh, along with Sh. Neeraj Shrivastav, Regional PF Commissioner-I, Zonal Office, Punjab &Himachal Pradesh (PB&HP).
During the seminar, officers of the Regional Office explained the applicable statutory provisions, the benefits available under each scheme, and the procedural aspects involved, enabling stakeholders to avail of these schemes with clarity and ease.
The event was attended by representatives of exempted establishments such as Hindustan Unilever Limited, PRTC, and DAV etc, among others; representatives of various establishments from Mohali, Derabassi, Lalru, and Patiala, such as Teleperformance Mohali, TDS Management Mohali, and Nahar Industries etc, and representatives of employers’ associations, including the Derabassi Industrial Association (represented by Sh. Gurjant Singh) and the Lalru Industrial Association, and others along with other stakeholders. All those present commended the Government’s initiative in launching these schemes.
Key Highlights of the Schemes Discussed
1. AMNESTY, 2026
Provides an opportunity for regularisation of the exemption status of Provident Fund Trusts that are recognised under the Income Tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), but have not yet been granted formal exemption under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 / the Code on Social Security, 2020.
2. VISHWAS, 2026
Offers establishments the opportunity for an amicable, one-time settlement of disputes relating to damages under Section 14B of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and/or Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020. Establishments stand to benefit from a reduction in damages/penalties through this one-time settlement.
3. Employees’ Enrolment Campaign (EEC), 2026
To enable employers to enroll employees who are not presently covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, thereby extending the ambit of social security coverage to a wider section of the workforce.
Employers of all establishments already covered, or eligible for coverage, under the EPF Scheme may declare such left-out employees — who joined their establishment during the 01 April 2009 to 31 March 2026 through the Employer Portal.
4. Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PM-VBRY)
A scheme under which both new employees and their employers stand to benefit — employees receive direct financial benefits, while employers receive incentives for generating new employment.
Officers of the Regional Office assured all stakeholders of continued support and guidance in availing the benefits of these schemes within the stipulated timelines.
