25 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express

4 min

Polity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceNEWS

Kerala Renaming Proposal: Cabinet Approves Name Change to 'Keralam'

Q: If a Mains question asks 'Critically examine the trend of renaming states in India,' what points should I include?

Your answer should include: Key points: The historical and cultural reasons behind such demands.. The potential benefits of aligning a state's name with its linguistic identity.. The financial and administrative costs associated with renaming.. Whether these changes distract from more pressing issues like poverty or development.. The potential impact on national unity and identity. Exam tip: Structure your answer with a balanced approach, presenting both the pros and cons of renaming. Use examples of other states that have undergone name changes to illustrate your points.

Q: Is there any potential downside to renaming a state? What arguments might someone make against it?

Arguments against renaming often center on: Key points: The significant costs involved in updating all official records, signage, and documents.. The potential for disruption and confusion during the transition period.. The argument that the money could be better spent on development projects.. The risk of opening up a Pandora's Box of demands for renaming based on narrow political or social agendas.

Union Cabinet approves Kerala's name change proposal, reflecting people's desire.

Kerala Renaming Proposal: Cabinet Approves Name Change to 'Keralam'

Photo by Nature Photographer

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to rename Kerala as 'Keralam'. This decision follows a recommendation sent by the state government after the Kerala assembly unanimously passed a resolution seeking the name change. Prime Minister Modi acknowledged this change as reflecting the will of the people. The renaming proposal is rooted in historical and linguistic arguments, as the state is already referred to as 'Keralam' in the Malayalam language. The central government's approval marks a significant step towards officially recognizing the name change.

This approval signifies a move towards aligning the state's official name with its local linguistic identity. The unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala assembly underscores the widespread support for this change within the state. The central government's acceptance of this proposal indicates a willingness to accommodate regional sentiments and linguistic preferences in official nomenclature.

The renaming of Kerala to Keralam is relevant for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon issues of state identity, linguistic diversity, and the process of state name changes within the Indian Union. This news is particularly relevant for UPSC Mains GS Paper II (Polity & Governance) and GS Paper I (History and Culture).

Key Facts

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to rename Kerala as 'Keralam.'

Prime Minister Modi acknowledged this as the will of the people.

The state government sent the recommendation to the Centre after the state assembly unanimously passed a resolution.

The decision follows historical and linguistic arguments rooted in the Malayalam language.

UPSC Exam Angles

UPSC Mains GS Paper II (Polity & Governance): Federalism, constitutional amendments, role of the Union government.

UPSC Prelims: Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, legislative procedures.

UPSC Mains GS Paper I (History and Culture): Linguistic identity, regionalism, cultural assertion.

In Simple Words

The government is thinking about officially changing Kerala's name to 'Keralam.' Basically, the state wants its official name to match what people already call it in Malayalam. The central government has to approve it, which involves some legal steps.

India Angle

In India, names often carry cultural and historical significance. Changing a state's name can reflect a desire to honor that heritage. It's like renaming a street to better reflect its history or the people who live there.

For Instance

Think of it like when a city council decides to rename a park after a local hero. It's a way of recognizing and celebrating local identity, but it requires official procedures and approvals.

For people in Kerala, it reinforces their cultural identity. It makes the official name consistent with the language they speak every day.

A name is more than just a label; it's about identity and belonging.

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to rename Kerala as 'Keralam,' signaling a potential change in the official name of the state. Prime Minister Modi acknowledged this as the will of the people. The state government had sent the recommendation to the Centre after the state assembly unanimously passed a resolution seeking the name change.

This decision follows historical and linguistic arguments rooted in the Malayalam language, where the state is already referred to as Keralam. The central government's approval marks a significant step towards officially recognizing the name change.

Expert Analysis

The approval to rename Kerala as 'Keralam' brings into focus several key concepts related to Indian polity and governance.

The Constitutional Process for State Name Change is outlined in Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which empowers the Parliament to form a new state or alter the boundaries, areas, or names of existing states. The process typically begins with a resolution passed by the state legislative assembly, followed by a recommendation to the central government. The central government then introduces a bill in Parliament, which, if passed, leads to the official name change. In this case, the Kerala assembly unanimously passed a resolution, which was then sent to the Union Cabinet for approval, marking a significant step in this constitutional process.

Linguistic Identity and Federalism are also central to this issue. India is a multilingual country, and the Constitution recognizes the importance of linguistic identity. The renaming of Kerala to Keralam reflects a desire to align the state's official name with its local linguistic identity in Malayalam. This aligns with the principles of federalism, where regional sentiments and cultural identities are respected and accommodated within the larger framework of the Indian Union. The central government's approval of the name change can be seen as an affirmation of this principle.

Finally, the Role of the Union Cabinet in approving the proposal highlights the central government's authority in matters of state name changes. While the initial proposal originates from the state government, the Union Cabinet's approval is a crucial step in the process. This underscores the balance of power between the central and state governments in India's federal structure. The Prime Minister's acknowledgment of the name change as reflecting the will of the people further emphasizes the democratic principles underlying this decision.

For UPSC aspirants, it is crucial to understand the constitutional provisions related to state name changes (Article 3), the principles of linguistic identity and federalism, and the role of the Union Cabinet in such decisions. This topic is relevant for both Prelims (understanding constitutional articles) and Mains (analyzing the dynamics of federalism and linguistic identity in India).

Visual Insights

Location of Kerala

This map highlights the location of Kerala in India, the state proposed to be renamed as 'Keralam'.

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📍Kerala

More Information

Background

The power to alter the names of states in India is vested in the Parliament under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution. This article allows Parliament to form a new state by separation of territory from any state or by uniting two or more states or parts of states or by uniting any territory to a part of any state; increase the area of any state; diminish the area of any state; alter the boundaries of any state; alter the name of any state. However, no bill for this purpose can be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of the President. The process typically begins with the state assembly passing a resolution recommending the name change. This resolution is then sent to the central government for consideration. The central government, after reviewing the proposal, may introduce a bill in Parliament to amend the relevant schedule of the Constitution and the concerned state law. The President usually refers the bill to the concerned state legislature to express its views. However, these views are not binding on the Parliament. The final decision rests with the Parliament, which can pass the bill with a simple majority. This process reflects the balance of power between the Union and the states in India's federal structure. While the initial impetus for a name change usually comes from the state, the central government and Parliament have the final say in the matter. This ensures that such changes are consistent with the overall interests and unity of the nation.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there have been several instances of states seeking name changes to reflect their cultural or linguistic identity. For example, in 2011, Orissa was officially renamed Odisha to reflect the correct pronunciation of the name in the Oriya language. Similarly, there have been ongoing discussions and proposals to rename other cities and regions across the country.

The central government has generally been receptive to such proposals, provided they have the support of the state government and do not pose any threat to national unity or security. The Ministry of Home Affairs is typically the nodal ministry for processing such requests. The government's approach has been to balance the need to respect regional sentiments with the need to maintain uniformity and consistency in official nomenclature.

Looking ahead, it is likely that more states and regions may seek name changes to assert their identity and promote their culture. This trend underscores the importance of understanding the constitutional and political processes involved in such decisions, as well as the broader issues of federalism and linguistic diversity in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the likely Prelims angle here? What specific provision of the Constitution is most relevant to this news?

Article 3 of the Indian Constitution is the most relevant. It empowers the Parliament to alter the name of a state. UPSC could frame a question around the powers granted under this article and the procedure involved in changing a state's name.

Exam Tip

Remember that while the state assembly initiates the name change, the final authority rests with the Union Parliament. Don't get confused between the roles of the state and central governments.

2. Why is Kerala seeking this name change now? What's the underlying reason?

The primary reason is to align the state's official name with its local linguistic identity. The state is already widely referred to as 'Keralam' in the Malayalam language. This move seeks to formalize that usage.

3. How does this renaming proposal connect to broader trends in Indian polity and governance?

This is part of a larger trend of states seeking to assert their cultural and linguistic identity. We've seen similar instances like Orissa becoming Odisha. It reflects a desire to move away from anglicized names and embrace local traditions.

4. What is the constitutional process for changing a state's name, and what role does the Union Cabinet play?

The process starts with the state assembly passing a resolution recommending the name change. This recommendation is then sent to the Union Government, specifically the Union Cabinet, for approval. If the Cabinet approves, a bill is introduced in Parliament under Article 3. After passage in both houses, the state's name is officially changed.

5. If a Mains question asks 'Critically examine the trend of renaming states in India,' what points should I include?

Your answer should include:

•The historical and cultural reasons behind such demands.
•The potential benefits of aligning a state's name with its linguistic identity.
•The financial and administrative costs associated with renaming.
•Whether these changes distract from more pressing issues like poverty or development.
•The potential impact on national unity and identity.

Exam Tip

Structure your answer with a balanced approach, presenting both the pros and cons of renaming. Use examples of other states that have undergone name changes to illustrate your points.

6. Is there any potential downside to renaming a state? What arguments might someone make against it?

Arguments against renaming often center on:

•The significant costs involved in updating all official records, signage, and documents.
•The potential for disruption and confusion during the transition period.
•The argument that the money could be better spent on development projects.
•The risk of opening up a Pandora's Box of demands for renaming based on narrow political or social agendas.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the process of changing the name of a state in India? 1. A bill for altering the name of a state can only be introduced in the Parliament with the prior recommendation of the President. 2. The views of the state legislature are binding on the Parliament regarding the proposed name change. 3. A simple majority in both Houses of Parliament is sufficient to pass the bill. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Article 3 of the Constitution mandates that a bill for altering the name of a state can only be introduced in the Parliament with the prior recommendation of the President. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The views of the state legislature are NOT binding on the Parliament. The President usually refers the bill to the concerned state legislature to express its views, but these views are not binding. Statement 3 is CORRECT: A simple majority in both Houses of Parliament is sufficient to pass the bill for altering the name of a state.

2. In the context of the recent approval to rename Kerala as 'Keralam', consider the following statements: 1. The proposal originated from a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly. 2. The Union Government's approval is binding and cannot be challenged in any court of law. 3. The renaming aligns with the state's linguistic identity, as 'Keralam' is the name used in the Malayalam language. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The proposal to rename Kerala as 'Keralam' originated from a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: While the Union Government's approval is a significant step, it is subject to judicial review and can be challenged in a court of law if it violates any constitutional provisions. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The renaming aligns with the state's linguistic identity, as 'Keralam' is the name used in the Malayalam language.

3. Which of the following articles of the Indian Constitution deals with the formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing states?

A.Article 1
B.Article 2
C.Article 3
D.Article 4

Show Answer

Answer: C

Article 3 of the Indian Constitution deals with the formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing states. It empowers the Parliament to make laws in this regard, subject to certain conditions, including the prior recommendation of the President.