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Current Affairs

Lok Sabha passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 renaming Kerala as Keralam

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On 11 August 2026, the Lok Sabha passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, which changes the official name of the Indian state from "Kerala" to "Keralam." The bill follows a resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly on 24 June 2024 and the constitutional procedure under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution. This name change reflects the local Malayalam terminology used by the people of the state. The Union Cabinet approved the proposal earlier on 24 February 2026, and the bill was introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha by voice vote amid opposition protests.

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Key Facts

  • The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 was passed by the Lok Sabha on 11 August 2026.
  • The bill changes the state's official name from "Kerala" to "Keralam" in the First Schedule of the Constitution of India.
  • The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution supporting the name change on 24 June 2024.
  • Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Parliament to form new states and alter the names, boundaries, or areas of existing states through legislation after consulting the concerned State Legislature.
  • The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to rename Kerala as Keralam on 24 February 2026, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • The President referred the bill to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views as mandated under Article 3 before introduction in Parliament.
  • The bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on 10 August 2026 by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and passed by voice vote on 11 August 2026.
  • Kerala, one of India's 28 states, has its capital at Thiruvananthapuram.
  • "Keralam" is the Malayalam form of the state’s name, used in the local language and among its people.

Background & Context

Kerala was formed on 1 November 1956 through the States Reorganisation Act, primarily on linguistic lines for Malayalam speakers. Since then, there has been a longstanding sentiment within the state to officially rename it from "Kerala" to "Keralam" to reflect the local Malayalam identity more authentically. The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on 24 June 2024 to alter the name accordingly. The Constitution of India under Article 3 provides the procedure for altering state boundaries or names, which involves the Union Cabinet proposal, President’s referral for consultation with state legislature, and parliamentary approval.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This development illustrates the practical application of Article 3 of the Indian Constitution regarding state reorganization and name alteration, which is a frequently tested topic in exams related to polity and governance. It offers insight into the constitutional provisions, role of Union government and state legislatures, as well as the federal structure of India. Understanding the procedural and legal aspects of changing a state's name, along with the political and cultural importance of such changes, is crucial for exam aspirants.

Points to Remember

  • The name change requires following the constitutional procedure under Article 3.
  • The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed the resolution for name change on 24 June 2024.
  • Union Cabinet approval was given on 24 February 2026.
  • The President referred the proposed bill to the Kerala Legislature for its opinion before Parliament's consideration.
  • The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha by Minister of State Nityanand Rai and passed on 11 August 2026 by voice vote amid opposition protests.
  • "Keralam" is the Malayalam version and culturally significant name of the state.
  • Capital of Kerala / Keralam is Thiruvananthapuram.
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