Union Cabinet Approves Proposal to Rename Kerala as “Keralam”
In a significant development, the Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename the State of Kerala as “Keralam.” The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and follows a resolution passed earlier by the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
The proposal will now move forward under Article 3 of the Constitution of India, which allows Parliament to alter the name, boundaries, or area of a State through legislation. Once the legal process is completed and Parliament approves the Bill, the official name of the State may be changed in all constitutional records.
This move is seen as an attempt to align the State’s official name with its native Malayalam identity and cultural heritage.
Background of the Proposal
The demand to rename Kerala as “Keralam” is not new. The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution on 24 June 2024, requesting the Central Government to officially adopt the Malayalam name of the State.
In Malayalam, the State has always been referred to as Keralam, and the Assembly argued that the English version “Kerala” does not fully reflect the linguistic authenticity of the region.
The resolution also highlighted that the State was formed on 1 November 1956, during linguistic reorganization of states, and that Kerala Piravi Day is celebrated annually on the same date.
Constitutional Process Under Article 3
The renaming of a State involves a defined constitutional procedure under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution.
Step-by-Step Process:
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A proposal is initiated by the Central Government.
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The President of India refers the Bill to the concerned State Assembly for its views.
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The State Assembly expresses its opinion (not binding).
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The Bill is introduced in Parliament with Presidential recommendation.
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Parliament passes the law to finalize the change.
Additionally, the renaming will require an amendment to the First Schedule of the Constitution, where the State is currently listed as “Kerala.”
Role of the Union Government
The proposal was examined in detail by the Ministry of Home Affairs. After internal review and approval from the Home Minister, the matter was sent to:
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Department of Legal Affairs
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Legislative Department (Ministry of Law and Justice)
Both departments reportedly supported the proposal, after which it was placed before the Union Cabinet for final approval.
What Happens Next?
Now that the Cabinet has approved the proposal:
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A Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will be prepared.
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The President will refer it to the Kerala Assembly for comments.
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The Bill will then be introduced in Parliament.
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Final approval will depend on Parliament’s vote.
Only after Parliament passes the Bill will the name change become official.
Significance of the Name Change
If approved by Parliament, the State will officially be known as “Keralam” in all constitutional and government records.
Key Significance:
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Reflects Malayalam linguistic identity
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Restores native pronunciation of the State’s name
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Strengthens cultural authenticity
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Aligns official naming with regional heritage
Many states in India already use names closer to local pronunciation, making this change part of a broader trend of cultural and linguistic assertion.
Similar Name Changes in India
India has witnessed several state and city name changes over the years, including:
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Bombay → Mumbai
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Madras → Chennai
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Calcutta → Kolkata
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Orissa → Odisha
If approved, Kerala → Keralam would join this list of historically significant renamings.
Final Words
The Union Cabinet’s approval to rename Kerala as “Keralam” marks an important step toward recognizing the State’s linguistic and cultural identity. However, the final decision now rests with Parliament, which must pass the legislation for the change to take effect.
If approved, this will be more than just a name change — it will symbolize a deeper acknowledgment of regional heritage and linguistic pride within the Indian Union.
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