The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Kerala government’s proposal to officially rename the state as ‘Keralam’, initiating the constitutional process to amend the state’s official name.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Seva Teerth, the new Prime Minister’s Office complex. The move marks a significant step toward aligning the state’s official name with its Malayalam linguistic identity.
What Happens Next in the Name Change Process
Following the Cabinet approval, the President of India will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala Legislative Assembly. This is required under Article 3 of the Constitution, which mandates that the state legislature express its views before Parliament considers such changes. After receiving the Assembly’s response, the central government will seek the President’s recommendation to introduce the Bill in Parliament. If Parliament passes the Bill, the state’s name will officially change in the Constitution and all legal records.
Why Kerala Wants to Be Called Keralam
The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution on June 24, 2024, requesting the Centre to change the state’s name. The government argued that ‘Keralam’ is the original name in the Malayalam language. Kerala was formed on linguistic lines on November 1, 1956, and the state celebrates Kerala Piravi Day on the same date each year. The proposal aims to reflect linguistic authenticity and cultural identity in the state’s official nomenclature.
Legal Review and Government Approvals
The Ministry of Home Affairs examined the proposal and approved it with the concurrence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The draft note was circulated to the Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department under the Ministry of Law and Justice. Both departments agreed with the proposal, leading to Cabinet approval. Experts say the Kerala name change to Keralam follows a broader trend in India, where regions seek names rooted in local languages and heritage.
What It Means for Citizens and Administration
If Parliament approves the Bill, all official documents, government notifications, and constitutional references will adopt the new name. The transition will likely be gradual, with updates across administrative, legal, and public systems. The Kerala name change to Keralam also carries symbolic importance, reinforcing regional identity and linguistic pride while aligning official usage with local tradition.
FAQs
Q: What is the Kerala name change to Keralam proposal?
A: It is a proposal to officially rename the state of Kerala as Keralam in the Constitution and all legal references.
Q: Why is the Kerala name change to Keralam significant?
A: It reflects the state’s original Malayalam name and strengthens cultural and linguistic identity.
Q: Has the Kerala name change to Keralam become official?
A: Not yet. The Bill must be referred to the Kerala Assembly and then passed by Parliament before it becomes official.
Q: When did Kerala request the name change?
A: The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution requesting the change on June 24, 2024.
