Published: 30 March 2026Press Information BureauPolitics
Cabinet Approves Renaming State of Kerala to 'Keralam'
AQuick answer
The Union Cabinet approved the renaming of Kerala to 'Keralam', reverting to the traditional Malayalam spelling. The President will now refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the State Legislature, following the procedure under Article 3 of the Constitution.
Key facts
Union Cabinet approved changing Kerala's name to 'Keralam', the traditional Malayalam spelling
The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will be referred by the President to the Kerala State Legislature
Constitutional process governed by Article 3 of the Indian Constitution
Kerala Legislative Assembly had earlier passed a resolution requesting the name change
Kerala was formed in 1956 under States Reorganisation Act with the Anglicised name 'Kerala'
Parliament must pass the Bill and receive Presidential assent to finalise the name change
Cabinet Approves Renaming Kerala to 'Keralam'
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal to alter the official name of the state of 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' — reverting to the traditional Malayalam spelling and pronunciation of the state's name. This is one of the few instances in independent India's history where a state has sought to formally change its constitutional name.
Background
The state of Kerala has long been known as 'Keralam' in the Malayalam language, the official language of the state.
The current name 'Kerala' is an Anglicised spelling that emerged during the colonial period and was retained at the time of the state's formation in 1956 during the States Reorganisation.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution requesting this name change, citing the importance of preserving cultural and linguistic identity.
Key Details
The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to alter the name of the state from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam'.
Following Cabinet approval, the President of India will refer a Bill — the *Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026* — to the Kerala State Legislative Assembly for its consideration and approval.
The process is governed by Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which empowers Parliament to alter the name of a state, but requires a reference to the concerned State Legislature.
Once the State Assembly responds, Parliament will pass the bill and the President will give assent.
Constitutional Process
Article 3 of the Constitution provides for Parliament to form new states and alter boundaries, names of existing states.
Any Bill under Article 3 must be referred to the State Legislature concerned for expressing its views within a specified time.
This is a constitutional amendment process, requiring coordination between the Union and the State.
Significance
The renaming reflects linguistic pride and the demand to honour the authentic Malayalam identity of the state.
It sets a precedent as other states may also pursue similar requests to restore original names.
Exam relevance: Tests knowledge of Article 3, the States Reorganisation Act 1956, and the constitutional procedure for changing a state's name.
PYQPrelims/PYQ angle
RAS 2018 State Reorganisation Commission suggestions for National Unity — The PYQ addresses state reorganisation, which the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 invokes via Article 3 — the same constitutional lineage.
Mains angle
Q: Analyse the constitutional process for renaming a state under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, with reference to the Union Cabinet's 2026 approval of renaming Kerala to 'Keralam'.
Answer (50 words):
The Union Cabinet approved renaming Kerala to 'Keralam', reverting to the Malayalam original used since 1956 state formation. The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will be referred by the President to the Kerala Legislative Assembly under Article 3, which empowers Parliament to alter state names after State consultation.
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Linked questionMedium
The current name 'Kerala' was retained at the time of the state's formation during which event?
Explanation · Correct answer D
The Anglicised spelling 'Kerala' was retained when the state was formed in 1956 during the States Reorganisation, while the Malayalam name is 'Keralam'.
What name change for Kerala did the Union Cabinet approve?
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal to alter the official name of the state from Kerala to Keralam. The change reverts to the traditional Malayalam spelling and pronunciation of the state's name.
What background does the article give for changing Kerala to Keralam?
Kerala has long been known as Keralam in the Malayalam language, the official language of the state. The current name Kerala is an Anglicised spelling that emerged during the colonial period and was retained at the time of the state's formation in 1956 during the States Reorganisation.
What role will the President of India and the Kerala State Legislative Assembly have after Cabinet approval?
Following Cabinet approval, the President of India will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala State Legislative Assembly for its consideration and approval. Once the State Assembly responds, Parliament will pass the bill and the President will give assent.
Which constitutional provision governs the process for altering a state's name?
Article 3 of the Indian Constitution governs the process and empowers Parliament to alter the name of a state. Any Bill under Article 3 must be referred to the concerned State Legislature for expressing its views within a specified time.
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