New Delhi, Feb 26: The name of the state of Kerala will be changed to “Keralam.” The proposal received approval at the Union Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The move is being seen as a significant step ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. It is expected to strengthen the cultural and linguistic identity of Kerala.
Earlier, on June 24, 2024, the Kerala Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution seeking the change of the state’s name to “Keralam.” As per the proposal, the state is referred to as “Keralam” in the Malayalam language. Therefore, the state government and its residents argued that the name “Keralam” should also be reflected in official documents and in the Constitution. The proposal has now received approval from the Union Cabinet.
Next Steps
As the next step, the President will forward the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views under Article 3 of the Constitution. After receiving the Assembly’s opinion, the government will introduce the Bill in Parliament. Once Parliament passes the Bill, the state’s name will officially be changed to “Keralam” in government records.
Previously, in 2007, the name of Uttaranchal was changed to Uttarakhand.
Prime Minister’s New Office
The first Cabinet meeting was held today at “Seva Teerth,” the Prime Minister’s new office complex. The previous Cabinet meeting this month was held on the 13th at the Prime Minister’s Office located in South Block. The PMO has now been shifted to the new office.
The Prime Minister’s Office had been functioning from South Block since 1947. The building had served as a center of power for nearly 78 years.
Procedure for Changing a State’s Name
The process of changing a state’s name is outlined under Articles 3 and 4 of the Constitution of India.
The process can begin either in Parliament or in a State Legislature.
A resolution must first be passed by a majority in the State Legislative Assembly and then sent to the Centre.
The Union Cabinet considers and approves the proposal.
Various central agencies, including the Ministries of Home and Railways, the Intelligence Bureau, the Department of Posts, the Survey of India, and the Registrar General of India, provide their No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
The Central Government may either reject the proposal or introduce a Constitutional Bill in both Houses of Parliament.
After Parliament passes the Bill, it is sent to the President for assent.
Once the President gives approval, a notification is issued, and the state’s name is officially changed.
Leave a Reply