India has initiated the constitutional process to rename Kerala as Keralam under Article 3. The move reflects linguistic identity, cooperative federalism, and Parliament’s authority to alter State names through a structured legislative procedure.
New Delhi (ABC Live): The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename the State of Kerala as Keralam, marking a constitutionally structured step toward recognising linguistic identity within India’s federal framework.
At first glance, the move appears symbolic. However, in constitutional terms, it activates a formal process under Article 3 of the Constitution of India, which governs changes in State names, areas, and boundaries. In other words, the proposal does not rely on executive discretion alone. Instead, it must travel through a carefully sequenced legislative pathway.
Moreover, the renaming effort reflects the same cooperative federal logic visible in other large national reforms that require Centre–State coordination. For instance, ABC Live has earlier examined how India struggles to align federal priorities in mega-projects such as river interlinking (https://abclive.in/2025/12/17/india-fails-to-interlink-its-rivers/).
Similarly, the Keralam proposal demonstrates how regional aspirations move forward only when constitutional procedures harmonise State initiative with Union authority.
What Exactly Has the Union Cabinet Approved?
The Cabinet has cleared the initiation of the statutory process for introducing the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026.
Specifically, the Government will now:
-
Request the President of India to refer the proposal to the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
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Receive the Assembly’s views within a prescribed time.
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Seek the President’s recommendation for introduction of the Bill.
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Introduce the Bill in Parliament to amend the First Schedule to the Constitution.
Only after Parliament passes this law will the constitutional name formally change to “Keralam.”
Why “Keralam” Instead of “Kerala”?
First, Keralam (കേരളം) is the native Malayalam name of the State.
Second, although India reorganised States on linguistic lines on 1 November 1956, the Constitution retained the English form “Kerala” in the First Schedule.
Third, the Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously resolved on 24 June 2024 that the constitutional name should reflect the State’s linguistic reality.
Therefore, the proposal seeks to correct a historical inconsistency rather than create a new identity.
Timeline | 1956 → 2024 → 2026
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1956 | Linguistic reorganisation of States; Constitution records “Kerala” |
| 24 June 2024 | Kerala Assembly passes resolution seeking “Keralam” |
| 2026 | Union Cabinet approves proposal; Bill process initiated |
Article 3 Explained: The Legal Backbone
Article 3 authorises Parliament to:
- Create new States
- Alter State boundaries
- Alter the name of any State
At the same time, the proviso to Article 3 imposes two safeguards:
- The President must recommend the Bill.
- The President must refer the proposal to the concerned State Legislature for its views.
Crucially, the Constitution treats the State’s opinion as consultative, not binding. Consequently, Parliament retains final authority.
Federalism in Action: Who Does What?
| Institution | Role |
|---|---|
| State Legislature | Initiates demand; provides views |
| President of India | Recommends Bill; refers to State |
| Parliament | Enacts final law |
Thus, India balances unity and diversity through a shared decision-making structure.
Role of the Union Government
The Ministry of Home Affairs examined the proposal and prepared a draft Cabinet Note.
Subsequently, the Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice reviewed the draft. Both departments agreed with the proposal’s constitutional validity.
As a result, the Cabinet cleared the process.
Comparative Table | State Renamings under Article 3
| Present Name | Earlier Name | Year | Legal Instrument | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Madras State | 1969 | Madras State (Alteration of Name) Act, 1968 | Tamil linguistic identity |
| Odisha | Orissa | 2011 | Orissa (Alteration of Name) Act, 2011 | Odia spelling & pronunciation |
| Uttarakhand | Uttaranchal | 2007 | Uttaranchal (Alteration of Name) Act, 2006 | Cultural-rooted name |
| Maharashtra | Bombay State (bifurcated) | 1960 | Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960 | Marathi identity |
| Gujarat | Bombay State (bifurcated) | 1960 | Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960 | Gujarati identity |
| Keralam (proposed) | Kerala | 2026 (proposed) | Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 | Native Malayalam form |
Is the Change Merely Symbolic?
Legally, the renaming does not alter territory, powers, or governance structures.
Yet, because State names appear inside the Constitution, Parliament must enact a law to change them. Therefore, the exercise carries constitutional weight.
What Happens Next?
- President refers proposal to Kerala Assembly
- Assembly sends its views
- President recommends introduction of Bill
- Parliament passes the Bill
- First Schedule amended → “Kerala” becomes “Keralam”
ABC Live Editorial Note
The Keralam proposal highlights how India evolves through lawful, consultative constitutional mechanisms.
More importantly, it shows that Indian federalism does not freeze identities in time. Instead, it allows States to seek recognition of their linguistic and cultural roots—while remaining firmly anchored within the Union.
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