President Assents to Bill Renaming Kerala as Keralam: Constitutional Amendment Formally Clears Name Change

President Droupadi Murmu officially granted presidential assent to the landmark legislation renaming Kerala as Keralam. Consequently, the bill officially transitions into national law.

Meanwhile, Parliament completed legislative proceedings last week. The Lok Sabha approved the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, on Tuesday. Subsequently, the Rajya Sabha passed the crucial measure through a voice vote on Wednesday.

Crucially, renaming Kerala as Keralam fulfills a long-standing cultural aspiration of the local population. Furthermore, the constitutional process aligns official legal documentation with native linguistic usage.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai addressed lawmakers during parliamentary debates. He emphasized that the proposal restores the authentic Malayalam name across central records. Therefore, the state will formally reflect its indigenous identity in all future legal contexts.

• Key Milestones in the Legislative Journey:
  • June 2024: Kerala Assembly forwards unanimous resolution to the Centre.
  • February 2026: Union Cabinet approves formal name change proposal.
  • August 11, 2026: Lok Sabha passes the Alteration of Name Bill.
  • August 12, 2026: Rajya Sabha passes the legislation via voice vote.
  • August 17, 2026: President Droupadi Murmu grants formal royal assent.

Constitutional Framework and Article 3 Provisions

The statutory process for renaming Kerala as Keralam strictly adhered to procedures under Article 3 of the Constitution. Article 3 empowers Parliament to alter state names and adjust geographical boundaries.

Accordingly, central authorities will modify the First Schedule to the Constitution. The First Schedule categorizes state names and administrative territories across India.

• Constitutional Re-Naming Process (Article 3):
  1. State Assembly Resolution: Forwarded to Union Government in June 2024.
  2. Presidential Reference: Sent to State Legislature for concurrence.
  3. Unanimous State Assembly Adoption: Agrees with the central Bill.
  4. Parliamentary Approval: Clearance in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
  5. Presidential Assent: Official Gazette Notification and Constitutional Amendment.

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Earlier, President Murmu referred the draft legislation back to the state assembly for technical views. Subsequently, the state legislature adopted another unanimous resolution supporting the legislation.

“The bill provides that the State of Kerala will be known as the State of Keralam, and hence there is a proposal to rename the State of Kerala to Keralam.”

— Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs

• Core Legal Adjustments Included in the Act:
  • Substitution of “Kerala” with “Keralam” in the First Schedule.
  • Consequential amendments across constitutional registers and official acts.
  • Standardization of state nomenclature in all official international documents.

Political Consensus and Parliamentary Reactions

The passage of the bill regarding renaming Kerala as Keralam generated broad cross-party support. Lawmakers across political lines welcomed the decision to respect regional heritage.

For instance, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Tiruchi Siva commended the move during debates. He recalled Tamil Nadu’s historic transition from Madras State. Similarly, Congress MP Jebi Mather Hisham supported the legislation in Rajya Sabha.

Furthermore, the Union government reiterated its commitment to linguistic equality. Minister Rai affirmed that preserving indigenous regional languages strengthens national unity.

• Key Statements During Parliamentary Discussion:
  • Nityanand Rai (MoS Home): Highlighted pride among all Indians regarding native cultural identity.
  • Tiruchi Siva (DMK MP): Emphasized the deep sentimental value attached to native state names.
  • Rajeev Chandrasekhar (BJP): Called the approval a landmark milestone in cultural history.

Ultimately, renaming Kerala as Keralam concludes a multi-year administrative journey. Official records, stationery, and governmental signboards will begin updating across the nation immediately.