Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt has decided to constitute a special committee, including representatives of trade unions, to examine issues related to the implementation of labour codes and submit recommendations within 10 days, a statement issued by the chief minister’s office said.The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by chief minister V D Satheesan on Thursday in the presence of labour minister Bindu Krishna. Representatives of 22 trade unions attended the meeting.The committee will examine the aspects of framing state rules under the labour codes and submit recommendations. The labour department secretary will be the convener, while the law department additional secretary will be a member. The committee will also include seven representatives from various trade unions and officials of the labour department.Satheesan said a final decision on implementing the labour codes would be taken only after hearing the views of all stakeholders and considering the legal aspects. Govt would take measures within the legal framework to minimise the impact of the labour codes and protect workers’ interests, he said.The chief minister said the labour rules framed by Keralam should serve as a model for the country.The meeting also decided to bring concerns over the threshold prescribed under the labour codes for determining the applicability of provisions to workers and establishments to Centre’s attention. The state would urge the Centre to lower the threshold, according to the statement.Satheesan assured the trade union representatives that the state govt was committed to protecting workers’ rights and interests and would take all necessary steps in this regard.The chief minister also explained the importance of implementing the labour codes. Trade unions would be given an opportunity to suggest necessary amendments to the draft prepared in 2021. The special committee’s draft recommendations would be circulated to all trade unions. Other unions would also be allowed to attend the committee’s sittings in person and submit their views and suggestions.The state will prepare and publish the final rules under the labour codes based on the committee’s report and the suggestions submitted by trade unions.
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