Published: 24 February 2026PIBGovernance
Union Cabinet Approves Renaming Kerala to 'Keralam' Under Article 3 of the Constitution
On February 24, 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the proposal to officially alter the name of the state of 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' in the First Schedule of the Constitution. This decision was announced at the first Cabinet meeting held at the newly inaugurated Seva Teerth office complex in New Delhi.
The change follows two unanimous resolutions passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly — first on August 9, 2023, and again on June 24, 2024 — formally requesting the Government of India to amend the Constitution under Article 3. The rationale is to replace the English-transliterated term 'Kerala' with the authentic Malayalam name 'Keralam', which is the historically and linguistically correct form in the state's own language.
Under the constitutional process, the President of India will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala State Legislative Assembly for its views, after which it will be introduced in Parliament. The amendment requires a simple majority and does not need ratification by states, as it involves alteration of a state name under Article 3. The change is symbolic of India's commitment to linguistic federalism and the Constitutional recognition of regional languages and identities, with relevance for the Eighth Schedule and state-centre relations in India's federal structure.
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Q: Discuss the constitutional process under Article 3 with reference to the Union Cabinet's approval for renaming Kerala to 'Keralam' and its significance for linguistic federalism.
Answer (50 words):
On February 24, 2026, the Union Cabinet approved altering Kerala's name to 'Keralam' in the Constitution's First Schedule, following unanimous resolutions by Kerala Assembly on August 9, 2023 and June 24, 2024. Under Article 3, the President will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 for state views before Parliamentary introduction.
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Frequently asked questions
What change did the Union Cabinet approve regarding Kerala's name?
The Union Cabinet approved renaming Kerala to 'Keralam' — the authentic Malayalam form of the state's name — on February 24–25, 2026, following resolutions passed by the Kerala Assembly in 2023 and 2024.
Which constitutional article governs the renaming of a state in India?
Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to change the name of a state. The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 must be referred to the Kerala Assembly and then passed by Parliament under this article.
Where are the names of all Indian states and Union Territories listed in the Constitution?
The names of all states and Union Territories are listed in the First Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Any change in a state's name requires amendment of the First Schedule through the process under Article 3.
What is the legislative procedure for renaming a state under Article 3?
Under Article 3, a bill for renaming a state must first be referred to the concerned state legislature for its views, and then introduced and passed by Parliament. Presidential assent is required to complete the process.
What are some recent examples of Indian states being renamed?
Recent state renamings include Orissa being renamed Odisha in 2011 and Uttaranchal being renamed Uttarakhand in 2006. The renaming of Kerala to Keralam follows this established constitutional process.
