New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Kerala government’s proposal to change the name of the State from Kerala to Keralam, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Seva Teerth, the newly inaugurated Prime Minister’s Office complex.
Cabinet Decision Reflects People’s Sentiment
Minister Vaishnaw stated that the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for altering the name of Kerala to Keralam.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the decision, saying it reflects the will of the people of the State and aligns with efforts to strengthen India’s cultural roots. In a post on X, he said the move enhances the connection with India’s glorious heritage.
The decision comes ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, scheduled for April, with the current 140-member Assembly’s term ending on May 23.
Legislative Process Under Article 3
Following Cabinet approval, the President of India will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala Assembly under Article 3 of the Constitution for expressing its views.
After receiving the Assembly’s response, the Centre will seek the President’s recommendation to introduce the Bill in Parliament to formally amend the First Schedule of the Constitution and rename Kerala as Keralam.
Article 3 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to alter the name of any State, subject to the President’s recommendation and consultation with the concerned State Legislature.
Background: Kerala Assembly Resolution
The Kerala Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution on June 24, 2024, urging the Centre to change the State’s name to Keralam, which is its official name in the Malayalam language.
The resolution highlighted that states were reorganized on linguistic lines on November 1, 1956, and that Kerala Piravi Day is also celebrated on that date. However, the First Schedule of the Constitution lists the State as “Kerala.”
The Assembly appealed to the Centre to amend the Constitution to reflect the culturally and linguistically accurate name “Keralam.”
Legal Clearance and Home Ministry Review
The proposal was examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs and, with the approval of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the draft Cabinet note was circulated to the Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department under the Ministry of Law and Justice.
Both departments have concurred with the proposal to alter the State’s name from Kerala to Keralam.
Minister Vaishnaw clarified that the decision was taken on merit and not influenced by upcoming elections, stating that Cabinet decisions under Prime Minister Modi are made in national interest irrespective of electoral timelines.
If passed in Parliament, the move will officially rename Kerala as Keralam, reflecting its linguistic identity and cultural heritage.
