Union Cabinet Endorses Name Change from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam'
Synopsis
In a significant move, the Union Cabinet has approved the name change of 'Kerala' to 'Keralam'. This decision is set to be formalized through legislative processes, reflecting the cultural significance of the name in Malayalam. Stay tuned as this historic change unfolds!
Key Takeaways
Union Cabinet Approval: The name change from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' has been officially endorsed.
Legislative Process: The proposal will undergo further legislative scrutiny in the Kerala Assembly and Parliament.
Cultural Significance: The name 'Keralam' aligns with the Malayalam identity of the state.
Historical Context: The change is rooted in a long-standing demand for recognition of regional languages.
Constitutional Framework: Article 3 outlines the procedure for state name changes.
New Delhi, February 24 (NationPress) - The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially approved a proposal to change the name of 'Kerala' to 'Keralam', according to government officials.
Following this decision, President Droupadi Murmu will present a Bill, titled the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to the Kerala Assembly, allowing them to express their opinions as stipulated by Article 3 of the Indian Constitution.
Once the Kerala Assembly shares its views, the Union government will proceed with further actions, seeking President Murmu's recommendation for introducing the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, in Parliament to finalize the name change from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam'.
Notably, the Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution on June 24, 2024, advocating for the name change, stating: 'The name of our State is 'Keralam' in the Malayalam language.'
'States were established based on language on November 1, 1956, which is also celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day. Since the independence struggle, there has been a persistent call for the creation of a united Kerala for those speaking Malayalam. However, the First Schedule of the Constitution records our state's name as 'Kerala'. The Kerala Assembly has unanimously urged the central government to act promptly as per Article 3 of the Constitution to modify the name to 'Keralam'.'
Subsequently, the Kerala government has requested the Union government to initiate the necessary amendments to the First Schedule of the Constitution to officially change 'Kerala' to 'Keralam', in accordance with Article 3.
Article 3 of the Constitution permits the alteration of existing state names. It states that Parliament may, through legislation, change the name of any state. Furthermore, it mandates that no Bill aimed at such changes may be introduced in either house of Parliament without the President's recommendation. If the Bill affects the area, boundaries, or name of any state, the President must refer it to that state's legislature for their input, which must be provided within a specified timeframe.
The proposal to change the name from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' was evaluated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. With the approval of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the draft proposal for the Cabinet was sent to the Ministry of Law and Justice's Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department for feedback.
Both the Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice have agreed to the name change proposal.
Point of View
The name alteration from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' is a reflection of the cultural and linguistic identity of the people. This decision, backed by the Assembly and the Union Cabinet, underscores a growing sensitivity towards regional languages and identities within India's diverse tapestry.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the name 'Kerala' being changed to 'Keralam'?
The change aims to reflect the name of the state in the Malayalam language, emphasizing cultural identity.
What is the process for the name change?
The proposal has been approved by the Union Cabinet and will be sent to the Kerala Assembly for their views before being introduced in Parliament.
When was the resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly?
The Kerala Assembly passed the resolution for the name change on June 24, 2024.
Who initiated the proposal for the name change?
The proposal was initiated by the Kerala government, which urged the Union government to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution.
What does Article 3 of the Constitution state?
Article 3 allows for the alteration of existing state names, requiring the President's recommendation for introduction in Parliament.
