What is the constitutional procedure of renaming a state? Renaming of Kerala to “Keralam” helps us understand the Constitutional Procedure, Federal Dynamics, and Historical Context of the move. Read here to learn more.
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to change the name of the State of Kerala to “Keralam.”
The proposed legislation, titled the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, will be processed under Article 3 of the Constitution of India.
The move follows a 2024 resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly seeking restoration of the State’s name in its native linguistic form.
Constitutional Procedure for Renaming a State
- Parliamentary Authority under Article 3
The Constitution of India empowers Parliament under Article 3 to:
- Form new States.
- Alter areas or boundaries.
- Change the name of any existing State.
This authority reflects the quasi-federal structure of India, where territorial reorganisation remains under the control of the Union Parliament.
- Initiation by State Resolution
Although Parliament holds exclusive power, the process typically begins at the State level:
- The State Legislative Assembly passes a resolution requesting the name change.
- The resolution is forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
In this case, the Kerala Assembly passed a resolution in 2024 seeking the change from “Kerala” to “Keralam.”
- Inter-Ministerial and Administrative Clearances
The Ministry of Home Affairs examines the proposal and seeks No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from key stakeholders, such as:
- Ministry of Railways
- Intelligence Bureau
- Department of Posts
- Survey of India
- Registrar General of India
These consultations ensure that the proposed name does not conflict with administrative records, cartographic data, or security considerations.
The Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department under the Ministry of Law and Justice must also concur with the draft Bill.
- Prior Recommendation of the President
The Bill can be introduced in Parliament only with the prior recommendation of the President.
If the Bill affects the name, area, or boundaries of a State:
- The President refers the draft Bill to the concerned State Legislature.
- The State Legislature must express its views within a specified period.
- Nature of State Legislature’s Views
- The views of the State Legislature are not binding.
- Parliament may accept, modify, or reject them.
This underlines the supremacy of Parliament in matters of territorial reorganisation.
- Voting Requirement
- The Bill requires only a simple majority in Parliament.
- It is not a Constitutional Amendment under Article 368.
This distinction is crucial for Prelims.
- Presidential Assent and Amendment of First Schedule
After passage:
- The Bill is sent to the President for assent.
- Upon assent, the First Schedule of the Constitution is amended.
The First Schedule lists the names and territorial boundaries of all States and Union Territories and forms the legal basis of India’s political map.
The Kerala Assembly also requested that the name be changed to “Keralam” across all official languages recognised in the Eighth Schedule to ensure linguistic consistency.
Historical Precedents of State Renaming
India has witnessed several name changes reflecting cultural and linguistic identities:
- Uttaranchal – Uttarakhand (2007)
- Orissa – Odisha (2011)
These changes illustrate the constitutional flexibility embedded within Article 3.
Origins of the Name “Keralam”
- Epigraphic Evidence
The earliest reference appears in the Rock Edict II of Ashoka (257 BCE), where the term “Keralaputra” is mentioned, often interpreted as referring to the Chera dynasty.
- Linguistic Evolution
The renowned German scholar Hermann Gundert, compiler of the first Malayalam-English dictionary, traced the evolution of “Keralam” from “Cheram” or “Cheralam.”
- “Cher” means “to join.”
- “Alam” means “land or region.”
Thus, “Cheralam” or “Keralam” denoted the integrated land between Gokarnam and Kanyakumari.
- The Aikya Kerala Movement
The Aikya Kerala Movement emerged in the 1920s alongside the national freedom struggle, demanding the integration of Malayalam-speaking regions:
- Malabar
- Kochi
- Travancore
The movement sought linguistic unity as a basis for statehood.
- State Reorganisation (1956)
Following independence, the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC), headed by Syed Fazl Ali, recommended linguistic reorganisation.
On 1 November 1956 (celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day), the modern State was formed by integrating:
- Malabar district
- Kasargod taluk
However, the anglicised version “Kerala” was recorded in the Constitution instead of the native Malayalam “Keralam.”
Federalism and Identity
- Federal Flexibility
Article 3 reflects India’s unique model of cooperative yet Union-dominant federalism. While States can initiate proposals, ultimate authority rests with Parliament.
- Linguistic Identity and Cultural Assertion
Renaming often represents:
- Assertion of cultural authenticity.
- De-anglicisation of colonial legacies.
- Reclaiming indigenous identity.
Similar examples include:
- Bombay – Mumbai
- Madras – Chennai
- Calcutta – Kolkata
- Political and Administrative Implications
- Requires changes in official records, signage, currency references, and international documentation.
- Impacts branding, tourism, and diplomatic records.
- Symbolic value often outweighs administrative inconvenience.
Conclusion
The proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam” is more than a semantic change; it reflects the dynamic interplay of constitutional provisions, federal principles, linguistic identity, and historical continuity.
Article 3 ensures that such transformations occur within a structured constitutional framework, preserving both national unity and regional aspirations.
In a diverse country like India, the ability to accommodate identity through constitutional means remains one of the greatest strengths of its democratic framework.
Possible Mains Question
“The power to alter state boundaries and names under Article 3 highlights the unique nature of Indian federalism.” Discuss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Which constitutional provision allows the renaming a state?
Article 3 of the Constitution of India.
Q. What is the President’s role?
The Bill requires prior recommendation of the President and must be referred to the State Legislature for its views.
Q. Are State views binding?
No, Parliament may accept or reject them.
Q. Why is the First Schedule important?
It lists State names and territorial boundaries; renaming requires its amendment.
Q. What was the Aikya Kerala Movement?
A 1920s movement demanding a unified Malayalam-speaking state, culminating in Kerala’s formation in 1956.
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