CONTEXT OF THE NEWS

The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam.”
A Bill titled Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will be introduced under Article 3 of the Constitution.

This follows a 2024 Resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly requesting the change.

BACKGROUND

Renaming of States is not new in India.

Recent examples:

• Uttaranchal → Uttarakhand (2007)
• Orissa → Odisha (2011)

WHAT IS ARTICLE 3?

Article 3 of the Constitution of India empowers Parliament to:

• Form new States
• Alter boundaries
• Change area
• Change name of any existing State

It gives exclusive power to Parliament.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROCEDURE FOR RENAMING A STATE

The process follows a structured constitutional path:

1. State Resolution

• The State Assembly passes a resolution.
• It sends the proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

In this case:

• Kerala Assembly passed resolution in 2024.

2. Examination by Ministry of Home Affairs

The MHA seeks clearances from:

• Ministry of Railways
• Intelligence Bureau
• Department of Posts
• Survey of India
• Registrar General of India
• Ministry of Law and Justice

Purpose:

• Ensure no administrative or legal conflicts.

3. President’s Prior Recommendation

• The Bill can be introduced in Parliament only with the prior recommendation of the President.
• The President refers the Bill to the State Legislature for its views.

4. State Legislature’s Opinion

• The State must respond within a time period fixed by the President.
• Important: Parliament is not bound by the State’s views.

5. Simple Majority

• The Bill requires only a Simple Majority.
• It is NOT a Constitutional Amendment under Article 368.

6. Presidential Assent

• After Parliament passes the Bill,
• It goes to the President for assent.
• Once signed, the First Schedule is amended.

WHAT IS THE FIRST SCHEDULE?

First Schedule of the Constitution:

• Lists names of States and Union Territories
• Specifies their territorial boundaries
• Forms the legal basis of India’s political map

Renaming a State requires amendment of this Schedule.

KERALA’S SPECIAL REQUEST

The Kerala Assembly requested:

• Change from “Kerala” to “Keralam”
• Not only in the First Schedule
• But across all languages in the Eighth Schedule

Purpose:

• Ensure linguistic consistency

ORIGINS OF THE WORD ‘KERALAM’

1. Epigraphic Evidence

The earliest reference appears in:

Ashoka

• Rock Edict II (257 BCE) mentions “Keralaputra”
• Often linked to the Chera dynasty

2. Linguistic Evolution

German scholar Herman Gundert (first Malayalam-English dictionary compiler) suggested:

• “Keralam” evolved from Cheram / Cheralam
• Root word:
  • “Cher” = to join
  • “Alam” = land or region

Meaning:

• Integrated land between Gokarnam and Kanyakumari

AIKYA KERALA MOVEMENT

Aikya Kerala Movement (1920s):

• Demanded unification of Malayalam-speaking regions:
  • Malabar
  • Kochi
  • Travancore
• Linked to the freedom struggle

STATE REORGANISATION (1956)

• State Reorganisation Commission (SRC) headed by Syed Fazl Ali
  
• Based on linguistic principle
• On 1 November 1956:
  • Modern Kerala was formed
  • Celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day

However:

• Constitution recorded name as “Kerala”
• Native Malayalam name is “Keralam”

COMPARISON: ARTICLE 3 vs ARTICLE 368

Feature	Article 3	Article 368
Purpose	Alter State boundaries/name	Amend Constitution
Majority Required	Simple Majority	Special Majority
State Ratification	Not mandatory	Required in some cases
Nature	Ordinary Law	Constitutional Amendment

PRELIMS FOCUS – HIGH VALUE FACTS

• Article 3 – Parliament can alter name of State.
• Requires President’s prior recommendation.
• State Legislature’s views are not binding.
• Passed by Simple Majority.
• Amendment affects First Schedule.
• Not treated as amendment under Article 368.
• Kerala formed on 1 November 1956.
• SRC headed by Syed Fazl Ali.

CONCLUSION / WAY FORWARD

Renaming to “Keralam” reflects linguistic identity while reaffirming Parliament’s supremacy under Article 3 in India’s federal constitutional structure.

PRELIMS CHECK

Question 1

With reference to Article 3 of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:

1. Parliament can alter the name of a State by ordinary law.
2. The Bill requires ratification by at least half of the States.
3. The President must refer the Bill to the concerned State Legislature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question 2

Consider the following statements regarding the renaming of a State:

1. It requires a Constitutional Amendment under Article 368.
2. It requires only a Simple Majority in Parliament.
3. It involves amendment of the First Schedule.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question 3

With reference to the formation of Kerala State, consider the following statements:

1. It was formed on the recommendation of the State Reorganisation Commission.
2. The Commission was headed by Syed Fazl Ali.
3. It was created on purely administrative convenience, not linguistic basis.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWERS

Q1: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

1. Article 3 allows alteration by ordinary law.
2. No State ratification required.
3. President must refer it to State Legislature.

Q2: (a) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

1. Not a Constitutional Amendment under Article 368.
2. Requires Simple Majority.
3. First Schedule must be amended.

Q3: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

1. Based on SRC recommendation.
2. SRC headed by Syed Fazl Ali.
3. It was based on linguistic principle.

“Clarity in Constitution builds confidence in preparation.”