In a significant move reflecting linguistic and cultural identity, the Union Cabinet has approved the Kerala government’s proposal to change the State’s name from “Kerala” to “Keralam,” the name traditionally used in the Malayalam language.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24, 2026, held at Seva Teerth, the newly inaugurated complex housing the Prime Minister’s Office.

Next Step: Bill to Be Referred to State Assembly

Following the Cabinet’s approval, the President will now refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views, as required under Article 3 of the Constitution of India. After receiving the Assembly’s response, the Union government will proceed to obtain the President’s recommendation to introduce the legislation in Parliament.

Background: State Assembly Resolution in 2024

The move comes nearly two years after the Kerala Assembly passed a unanimous resolution on June 24, 2024, urging the Centre to officially adopt “Keralam” as the State’s name. The resolution emphasized that the term “Keralam” has historically and culturally represented the land of Malayalam-speaking people, especially since the formation of linguistic states on November 1, 1956—celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day.

The Assembly had appealed to the Central Government to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution, where the State is currently listed as “Kerala.”

Constitutional Process Under Article 3

Under Article 3, Parliament has the authority to alter the name of any state. However, such a Bill can be introduced only after the President refers it to the concerned State Legislature for its opinion within a specified timeframe.

The proposal was examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs, India, and, with the approval of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the draft was circulated to the Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice, both of which concurred with the name change.

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Cultural Identity and Administrative Continuity

Officials indicated that the proposed renaming is intended to align the State’s official name with its linguistic heritage without altering its administrative structure or territorial boundaries.

Once Parliament passes the legislation and the constitutional amendment process is completed, “Keralam” will become the official name used in all government records and constitutional references.

The move is seen as a symbolic yet significant step toward reaffirming regional identity while following due constitutional procedure.

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