Cabinet approves alteration of the name of the State of “Kerala” to “Keralam”

The Union government has moved a step closer to officially renaming the State of Kerala as “Keralam”, following Cabinet approval of a proposal initiated by the State Assembly.

Union Cabinet Approves Name Change Proposal

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 development in a long-standing demand rooted in linguistic and cultural identity. With the Cabinet’s nod, the constitutional process for the name change has formally begun.

Bill to Be Referred by PresidentFollowing Cabinet approval, the President of India will refer the proposed legislation — the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 — to the Kerala Legislative Assembly under the proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution.

As mandated by Article 3, any proposal affecting the name of a State must first be referred by the President to the concerned State Legislature for expressing its views. Once the Assembly’s views are received and the stipulated period expires, the Union government will take further action and seek the President’s recommendation for introducing the Bill in Parliament.

Kerala Assembly’s 2024 Resolution

The move follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly on June 24, 2024, seeking to change the State’s name from “Kerala” to “Keralam”.

In its resolution, the Assembly stated that the State’s name in the Malayalam language is “Keralam” and highlighted that states were reorganized on linguistic lines on November 1, 1956 — the same date observed as Kerala Piravi Day.

The resolution emphasized that despite strong historical demands for a united Malayalam-speaking state, the First Schedule of the Constitution lists the name as “Kerala.” The Assembly urged the Centre to initiate steps under Article 3 to officially modify the name to “Keralam.”

Constitutional Process Under Article 3

Article 3 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to alter the name, area, or boundaries of any State by law. However, such a Bill can only be introduced in Parliament on the recommendation of the President.

Additionally, if the proposal affects the name of a State, the President must refer the Bill to the concerned State Legislature to express its views within a specified period. While the State’s opinion is not binding, it is a mandatory consultative step before Parliament proceeds.

Legal and Ministerial Clearances

The proposal was examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs. After approval 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 departments have concurred with the proposal to alter the name from “Kerala” to “Keralam,” clearing the way for the next stages of the constitutional process.

Cultural Identity at the Core

Supporters of the change argue that “Keralam” more accurately reflects the State’s linguistic and cultural identity in Malayalam. The proposed amendment aims to align the constitutional name with its native pronunciation and historical usage.

If Parliament passes the Bill, “Keralam” will officially replace “Kerala” in the First Schedule of the Constitution, marking a historic shift in the State’s constitutional identity.