Government Introduces Bill in Lok Sabha to Rename Kerala as Keralam

The Union government introduced the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on 10 August 2026 for changing the name of the state from Kerala to Keralam. The proposal relates to Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which provides for the formation of new States and the alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing States.

Constitutional Basis for Renaming a State

The renaming of a State in India requires a constitutional amendment to the First Schedule, which lists the names of States and Union Territories. The Eighth Schedule contains the official languages of the Constitution, and the Kerala proposal has been linked to the State’s name in the constitutional text. Article 3 empowers Parliament to alter the name of a State after following the prescribed procedure. The President may refer such a Bill to the concerned State Legislature for its views before Parliament takes a final decision.

Legislative Process in the Kerala Case

The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on 24 June 2024 seeking the change from Kerala to Keralam. A similar resolution had been passed in August 2023 and was later revised after technical advice from the Centre. The Union Cabinet approved the proposal on 24 February 2026. On the same day, the Union government stated that the President would refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the State Assembly for its views before further parliamentary action. The Bill was listed for introduction in the Monsoon Session of Parliament on 10 August 2026. Parliamentary records showed that Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai introduced the Bill in the Lok Sabha.

Administrative Changes Linked to a State Name Change

A change in the name of a State requires updates in official records, legal documents, maps, databases, and government signage. Such changes also affect constitutional references, administrative forms, and institutional records used by the Union and State governments. The proposed change from Kerala to Keralam is a matter of constitutional nomenclature and legislative procedure. It also requires coordination between Parliament, the State Legislature, and administrative departments.

Important Facts for Exams

• Article 3 of the Indian Constitution deals with the formation of new States and alteration of existing States.
• The First Schedule of the Constitution contains the names of States and Union Territories.
• The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution on 24 June 2024 for the name change to Keralam.
• The Union Cabinet approved the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 on 24 February 2026.

Parliamentary Procedure and State Consultation

A Bill for renaming a State is introduced in Parliament under the constitutional procedure for altering State names. The President’s reference to the State Legislature is part of the consultation process before Parliament completes the legislative action.