Kerala Defies Centre: Forms Committee to Study Labour Codes and Protect Workers' Rights
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Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - The state government has taken a bold step to safeguard workers' rights by appointing a committee to study the impact of the central labour codes. Labour Minister V Sivankutty announced the move at the National Labour Conclave, where leaders from various trade unions and government officials gathered to discuss the implications of the new labour laws. The committee, comprising former Supreme Court judge Justice Gopala Gowda, Professor Shyam Sundar, and Varkeychan Petta, will submit a preliminary report within a month. The Kerala government has taken a firm stance against the central laws, which critics argue prioritize corporate interests over workers' rights. In a unanimous decision, the conclave resolved to continue fighting against the labour codes that it claims curtail workers' fundamental rights. While most states have amended their laws to comply with the central codes, Kerala has chosen a different path, vowing not to introduce any amendments that might harm workers. The state government will also lead a national campaign to raise workers' demands and pressure the Centre to make changes. Two technical sessions were held during the conclave, focusing on the impact of the labour codes on Kerala's labour sector and exploring alternative strategies to counter their effects. Kerala's commitment to protecting workers' rights remains unwavering, with the state government reiterating its position as a model for the country in safeguarding the rights of workers, including IT professionals, gig workers, and migrant labourers.
