Keralam to form special panel to study Labour Codes, implementation

The Keralam government has decided to form a special committee, including trade union representatives, to examine issues related to the implementation of the Labour Codes and submit the necessary recommendations.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan at the Government Secretariat on Thursday (October 22, 2026). The meeting, attended by Labour Minister Bindhu Krishna, saw the participation of 22 trade union office-bearers.

The committee will be tasked with submitting practical recommendations required for framing State rules under the Labour Codes. The Secretary of the Labour Department will serve as the convener, while the Additional Secretary of the Law Department will be a member. The committee will also include seven representatives from various trade unions and officials from the Labour Department. The panel has been mandated with submitting its report within 10 days of its formation.

On final decision

Mr. Satheesan said a final decision on implementing the Labour Codes would be taken only after hearing the views of all sections and considering the legal aspects. He added that the government would adopt steps within the legal framework to minimise the impact of the Labour Codes and protect workers’ interests.

The Chief Minister also expressed optimism that the labour rules framed by Keralam would serve as a model for the country.

Notably, the meeting resolved to bring apprehensions regarding the definition and threshold for workers under the Labour Codes to the attention of the Central government. The State will also raise the demand for reducing the threshold limit. The Chief Minister assured that the State government was committed to protecting workers’ rights and interests and would take all necessary measures in this regard.

Mr. Satheesan also explained the significance of implementing the Labour Codes at the meeting. Trade unions were assured that they would be given an opportunity to suggest necessary amendments to the draft that had been prepared in 2021.

The draft recommendations prepared by the special committee will be circulated to all trade unions. Other unions will also be allowed to attend the committee’s meetings in person and present their views and suggestions.

All trade unions that participated in the meeting shared a common position on the need to protect workers’ interests.