The Union Cabinet convened on Tuesday and granted approval for the proposed change of the name of the southern state of Kerala to Keralam. Following the Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed reporters and provided details about the next steps in the legislative process.

He announced that the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, will be forwarded to the Kerala State Legislative Assembly for its consideration. This decision takes place in the context of upcoming assembly elections in the state, scheduled for the first half of this year.

Next Steps in Legislative Procedure

Upon receiving approval from the Union Cabinet, the matter will be referred to the President of India, who will then relay the Bill to the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala. This process is in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 of the Constitution of India, which enables such changes. Vaishnaw specified that after the state assembly articulates its views on the Bill, the central government will proceed to take further actions. This includes obtaining the President’s recommendation for the introduction of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, in Parliament.

Previous Legislative Actions

The move to rename the state stems from a resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in June 2024, which advocated altering the name from Kerala to Keralam. The resolution reflects a push towards reinstating the original name of the state, believed to better reflect its cultural identity and heritage. The alteration process, requiring both state and central legislative actions, signifies an important legislative shift within the region.

Implications of the Name Change

Changing the name of the state may have implications for various sectors, including tourism, education, and governance. It is expected to foster a stronger sense of identity among residents and promote a cultural renaissance. As the region prepares for the assembly elections, this issue could emerge as a focal point in political discourse, underscoring the significance of local identity in governance.

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