Union Cabinet Approves Renaming Kerala as Keralam

The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to officially rename the state of Kerala as ‘Keralam’, marking a significant administrative step ahead of the forthcoming State Assembly elections. The decision clears an important procedural stage in altering the name of the state under constitutional provisions. The move follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2024 seeking recognition of the Malayalam name in the Constitution.

Cabinet Approval and Constitutional Procedure

The Cabinet decision enables the President of India to initiate the constitutional process under Article 3 of the Constitution. The proposed Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will now be referred to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views. Article 3 empowers Parliament to alter the name, boundaries or area of any existing state, subject to consultation with the concerned state legislature.

After receiving the Assembly’s opinion, the Union government will proceed to introduce the Bill in Parliament, following the President’s recommendation. The proposal has been examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs and vetted by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Background of the State Assembly Resolution

On June 24, 2024, the Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Centre to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution to replace ‘Kerala’ with ‘Keralam’. The state government argued that ‘Keralam’ reflects the linguistic and cultural identity of the region more accurately, as it is the name used in Malayalam.

Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, following the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, based on linguistic lines. The date is commemorated annually as Kerala Piravi Day.

Political and Cultural Significance

The renaming proposal carries cultural symbolism as well as political weight. It underscores the emphasis on linguistic identity and regional heritage. The approval comes at a time when political activity is intensifying in the state ahead of Assembly elections.

The draft Cabinet note received concurrence from the Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department. With Cabinet clearance secured, the process now moves to the next constitutional stage.

Important Facts for Exams

• Article 3 of the Constitution deals with alteration of state names, areas and boundaries.
• The First Schedule of the Constitution lists states and union territories.
• Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
• The President must seek the concerned state legislature’s views before introducing such a Bill in Parliament.

Next Steps in the Renaming Process

Once the Kerala Legislative Assembly communicates its views, the Centre will introduce the amendment Bill in Parliament. Upon parliamentary approval and Presidential assent, ‘Keralam’ will become the official name in the Constitution. The development marks a key milestone in aligning constitutional nomenclature with the state’s linguistic identity.