Thiruvananthapuram: Amid protests against the central labour codes, the Kerala government has appointed a committee to study the revised codes, assess their impact, and suggest remedial measures. Addressing the National Labour Conclave organised by the state government here on Friday, Labour Minister V Sivankutty announced the decision.

The panel headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Gopala Gowda will include Professor Shyam Sundar and Varkeychan Petta, Sivankutty said in an official statement. The committee will submit a preliminary report within one month.

A resolution was unanimously adopted at the conclave stating that an uncompromising struggle would continue against central laws that allegedly curtail workers’ fundamental rights, the statement said.

The four labour codes—enacted by consolidating 29 major labour laws—protect corporate interests rather than those of workers and are contrary to the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Sivankutty said.

While most states have amended their laws in line with the labour codes, Kerala has taken a firm stand that it will not introduce any anti-worker amendments, he added.

As per the conclave’s decision, the state Labour Minister, along with representatives of central trade unions, will meet the Union Labour Minister to highlight what they described as the anti-worker nature of the central labour codes.

The Kerala government will take the lead in raising workers’ demands at the national level and exert pressure for change, the statement said.

Two technical sessions were held during the conclave. The first, chaired by Additional Advocate General Ashok M Cherian, focused on the impact of the new labour codes on Kerala’s labour sector. The second session discussed alternative strategies to counter the impact of the labour codes in the context of Kerala’s labour policies.

The second session was chaired by former Rajya Sabha member Elamaram Kareem, with Professor Shyam Sundar delivering the keynote address.

The state reiterated that Kerala would continue to serve as a model for the country in protecting workers’ rights and ensuring security for all sections, including IT professionals, gig workers, and migrant labourers.