The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal to alter the name of the State of “Kerala” to “Keralam.” The decision marks a significant constitutional step toward officially recognizing the State’s name in alignment with its Malayalam linguistic identity.
Next Constitutional Steps Under Article 3
Following Cabinet approval, the President of India will refer the proposed legislation — Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 — to the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala for expressing its views, as mandated under Article 3 of the Constitution of India.
After receiving the State Assembly’s views, the Government of India will proceed further and obtain the President’s recommendation for introducing the Bill in Parliament. Article 3 empowers Parliament to alter the name of any State by law, subject to procedural requirements including Presidential recommendation and consultation with the concerned State Legislature.
Background: Resolution by Kerala Legislative Assembly
On 24 June 2024, the Legislative Assembly of Kerala unanimously passed a resolution seeking the renaming of the State from “Kerala” to “Keralam.” The resolution highlighted that:
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The name of the State in Malayalam is “Keralam.”
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States were reorganized on linguistic basis on 1 November 1956.
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Kerala Piravi Day is celebrated annually on 1 November.
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Despite linguistic identity, the First Schedule of the Constitution records the name as “Kerala.”
The Assembly formally appealed to the Central Government to take steps under Article 3 to amend the First Schedule and reflect the name as “Keralam.”
Subsequently, the Government of Kerala requested the Union Government to initiate the constitutional amendment process.
Legal and Administrative Process
The proposal was examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and approved by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The draft Cabinet note was circulated to the Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department under the Ministry of Law and Justice, both of which concurred with the proposal.
As per the constitutional framework:
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No Bill to alter a State’s name can be introduced in Parliament without the President’s recommendation.
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The President must first refer the Bill to the concerned State Legislature for its views within a specified timeframe.
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After the consultation period expires, Parliament may proceed with the legislation.
Significance of the Renaming
The proposed change from “Kerala” to “Keralam” reflects the State’s linguistic heritage and cultural identity in Malayalam. The move aligns with long-standing demands emphasizing historical and linguistic accuracy in the official naming of the State.
If passed by Parliament, the amendment will formally update the First Schedule of the Constitution of India, making “Keralam” the official name of the State.
