Union Cabinet Clears Proposal to Rename Kerala as Keralam

Constitutional Process Begins to Rename Kerala to Keralam

The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to officially rename Kerala as ‘Keralam’ , initiating the constitutional process required for altering a state’s name. The decision marks a key administrative milestone and follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2024 seeking recognition of the Malayalam name in the Constitution.

Cabinet Clearance and Constitutional Route

With Cabinet approval in place, the President of India is now authorised to trigger the procedure under Article 3 of the Constitution. The proposed Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will be sent to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views, a mandatory consultative step.

Article 3 empowers Parliament to change the name, area or boundaries of a state, provided the opinion of the concerned state legislature is sought. After receiving the Assembly’s response, the Union government will introduce the Bill in Parliament, following Presidential recommendation. The proposal has already been examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs and legally vetted by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Origin of the Renaming Demand

The renaming initiative stems from a resolution adopted unanimously by the Kerala Assembly on June 24, 2024. The state government argued that “Keralam” better reflects the linguistic and cultural identity of the region, as it is the name used in Malayalam.

Kerala came into existence on November 1, 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, which reorganised states primarily on linguistic lines. The day is observed annually as Kerala Piravi Day.

Cultural and Political Context

Beyond administrative procedure, the proposal carries symbolic importance by aligning constitutional nomenclature with local language and heritage. The timing is also politically notable, coming ahead of forthcoming State Assembly elections.

Important Facts for Exams

• Article 3 deals with alteration of state names and boundaries.

• The First Schedule lists states and union territories.

• Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956.

• Presidential recommendation is mandatory for such Bills.