Cabinet Clears Renaming Proposal
Keralam Name Change Clears Constitutional Path: The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to rename Kerala as Keralam, initiating the constitutional procedure for altering the state’s name. The decision comes ahead of the upcoming State Assembly elections, adding political significance to the move.
The proposal follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in June 2024, seeking recognition of the Malayalam name in the Constitution.
Constitutional Mechanism Under Article 3
The process is governed by Article 3 of the Constitution, which empowers Parliament to alter the name, area, or boundaries of any state. The President of India must first refer the Bill to the concerned state legislature for its views.
After receiving the Assembly’s opinion, the Bill can be introduced in Parliament with the President’s recommendation. Though the state’s opinion is mandatory, it is not binding on Parliament.
Static GK fact: Article 3 deals with the formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing states.
Amendment to the First Schedule
To officially change the name, the First Schedule of the Constitution, which lists all states and union territories, must be amended. The proposed legislation is titled the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026.
The proposal has been examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs and vetted by the Ministry of Law and Justice, ensuring procedural compliance before Cabinet approval.
Static GK Tip: The First Schedule contains the list of states and union territories along with their territorial jurisdictions.
Historical Context of Kerala
Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, following linguistic reorganisation across India. The state was carved out by merging Malayalam-speaking regions.
The day is celebrated annually as Kerala Piravi Day.
Static GK fact: The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 reorganised state boundaries primarily on linguistic lines based on the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission (1953).
Cultural and Political Dimensions
The term Keralam is widely used in the Malayalam language and reflects the region’s linguistic identity. The renaming seeks to align the constitutional name with cultural usage.
Politically, the decision gains importance due to the proximity of Assembly elections. However, constitutionally, the process remains procedural and rule-based.
Next Constitutional Steps
The Bill will now be referred to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views. Once the Assembly responds, the Union government will introduce the Bill in Parliament.
Upon passage by Parliament and receiving Presidential assent, the name ‘Keralam’ will be officially incorporated into the Constitution.
The development marks a significant step in harmonising constitutional nomenclature with regional linguistic identity.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Keralam Name Change Clears Constitutional Path:
| Topic | Detail |
| Approved Name | Keralam |
| Approving Authority | Union Cabinet |
| Constitutional Provision | Article 3 |
| Relevant Schedule | First Schedule |
| Formation of Kerala | November 1, 1956 |
| Governing Law | States Reorganisation Act, 1956 |
| Bill Name | Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 |
| Final Requirement | Parliamentary approval and Presidential assent |
