The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the Keralam name change on 24 February 2026. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision. Next, the President would refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Notably, this step follows the proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution. So, the state’s official name would change from “Kerala” to “Keralam”.
What the Cabinet Approved
The Ministry of Home Affairs examined Kerala’s request first. Then, the Law Ministry’s departments concurred. After the Assembly’s views, the Bill goes to Parliament. Also, it changes the First and Fourth Schedules.
Kerala Assembly Resolutions of 2023 and 2024
The Kerala Assembly first passed a resolution for the new name in August 2023. Later, the Centre suggested technical changes. So, on 24 June 2024, the Assembly unanimously adopted a fresh resolution moved by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. It said, “The name of our State is ‘Keralam’ in Malayalam language.” Moreover, it recalled that states took shape on linguistic lines on 1 November 1956.
How Articles 3 and 4 Work
Under Article 3, Parliament can change a state’s area, boundary or name by law. However, such a Bill needs the President’s recommendation. Also, the President must refer it to the state legislature for its views. Still, those views do not bind Parliament. Further, Article 4 says such laws are not constitutional amendments under Article 368. Hence, a simple majority is enough.
Earlier State Name Changes
Interestingly, Uttaranchal became Uttarakhand from 1 January 2007 under a similar law. Likewise, Orissa became Odisha in 2011, and Madras State became Tamil Nadu in 1969.
Latest Update
The Lok Sabha passed the Bill on 11 August 2026. Then, the Rajya Sabha cleared it by voice vote on 12 August. MoS Nityanand Rai called it “a matter of pride” for Kerala and all Indians. After President Droupadi Murmu’s assent, the Home Ministry notified the Act. Finally, Keralam became the official name from 25 August 2026.
Keralam Name Change: Key Facts for Revision
- Cabinet approval: 24 February 2026
- Law: Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026
- Constitutional basis: Articles 3 and 4
- Assembly resolutions: August 2023 and 24 June 2024
- Parliament: Lok Sabha 11 August, Rajya Sabha 12 August 2026
- In force: 25 August 2026
Why Keralam Name Change Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, Article 3 questions often ask whether state views bind Parliament. So, remember the reference process, the simple majority rule and the 2026 dates. Also, link Keralam with the Uttaranchal-to-Uttarakhand change of 2007. For official updates, also visit the Ministry of Home Affairs. Next, for a related story, read about constitution amendments from the 99th to 106th.
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