Keralam to form special panel to study labor code, implementation

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan presides over a meeting with union leaders on the Labor Code at the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Minister of State for Labor Bindhu Krishna was among those present. | Photo Credit: @vdsatheesan X/ANI Photo

The Kerala government has decided to form a special committee, which will include union representatives, to examine issues related to the implementation of labor laws and make necessary recommendations.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister VD Satheesan at the Cabinet Secretariat on Thursday (October 22, 2026). The meeting attended by Labor Minister Bindhu Krishna was attended by 22 union representatives.

The committee will have the task of presenting practical recommendations needed for the development of state rules according to the Labor Code. The Secretary of the Department of Labor will serve as the Convener, while the Additional Secretary of the Department of Law will be a member. The committee will also include seven representatives from various trade unions and officials from the Ministry of Labour. The panel was mandated to submit a report within 10 days of its establishment.

At the final decision

Mr. Satheesan said that the final decision on the implementation of the Labor Code will be taken only after hearing the views of all sections and considering the legal aspects. He added that the government will take steps within the legal framework to minimize the impact of labor laws and protect the interests of employees.

The chief minister also expressed optimism that the labor rules framed by Keralam would serve as a model for the country.

In particular, the meeting decided to bring to the attention of the central government concerns regarding the definition and limit for workers under the Labor Code. The state will also increase the threshold reduction requirement. The Chief Minister assured that the state government is committed to protect the rights and interests of the workers and will take all necessary measures in this regard.

Mr. Satheesan also explained the importance of implementing the labor code in the meeting. Unions were assured that they would be given the opportunity to propose the necessary modifications to the draft, which was prepared in 2021.

The draft recommendations prepared by the special committee will be sent to all trade unions. Other trade unions will also be allowed to personally participate in committee meetings and present their opinions and initiatives.

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

Published – 22 Oct 2026 15:11 IST