Union Cabinet Approves Proposal to Rename Kerala as “Keralam”

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal to change the name of the State of “Kerala” to “Keralam”. The decision follows a resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly on June 24, 2024, requesting the Centre to take steps under Article 3 of the Constitution to officially alter the State’s name.

Constitutional Process Under Article 3

According to Constitution of India, Article 3 empowers Parliament to alter the name, area, or boundaries of a State by law.

As per the constitutional procedure:

1. The President of India will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for expressing its views.
2. After receiving the State Assembly’s views, the Central Government will take further action.
3. The Bill can then be introduced in Parliament only with the recommendation of the President.

The proposal also requires amendment to the First Schedule of the Constitution, where the State is currently listed as “Kerala”.

Background of the Demand

The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution stating that the State’s name in Malayalam is “Keralam”. It highlighted that States were reorganised on linguistic basis on November 1, 1956, and Kerala Piravi Day is also celebrated on November 1.

The Assembly appealed to the Centre to modify the name in line with the Malayalam language and historical identity of the State.

Ministry Review and Approval

The matter was examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs. With approval from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the proposal was circulated to the Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department under the Ministry of Law and Justice. Both departments concurred with the proposal before it was placed before the Cabinet for approval.

Significance of the Move

If Parliament passes the Bill, the official name of the State will change from “Kerala” to “Keralam” in all constitutional records. The move reflects linguistic identity and cultural heritage, aligning the State’s official name with its native Malayalam pronunciation.

MCQs: Alteration of Name – Kerala to Keralam

Q1. The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to rename Kerala as:
(a) Keral
(b) Keralam
(c) Malayal Pradesh
(d) Malabar
(e) Travancore

Ans: (b)
Sol: The proposed new name is “Keralam”.

Q2. The power to alter the name of a State is provided under which Article of the Constitution of India?
(a) Article 1
(b) Article 2
(c) Article 3
(d) Article 4
(e) Article 5

Ans: (c)
Sol: Article 3 empowers Parliament to alter the name of any State.

Q3. Before introducing the Bill in Parliament, it must be referred to which body for expressing its views?
(a) Supreme Court
(b) Election Commission
(c) State Legislative Assembly concerned
(d) NITI Aayog
(e) Finance Commission

Ans: (c)
Sol: The President must refer the Bill to the concerned State Legislature.

Q4. The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed the resolution for name change on:
(a) 15 August 2023
(b) 1 November 2023
(c) 24 June 2024
(d) 26 January 2024
(e) 2 October 2024

Ans: (c)
Sol: The resolution was passed on 24.06.2024.

Q5. The amendment will require changes to which Schedule of the Constitution?
(a) Second Schedule
(b) Third Schedule
(c) Fourth Schedule
(d) Fifth Schedule
(e) First Schedule

Ans: (e)
Sol: The name of States is listed in the First Schedule of the Constitution.