The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to officially change the name of the state of Kerala to ‘Keralam’, initiating a constitutional process to align the state’s formal name with its native linguistic identity. The decision follows a resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in June 2024 seeking the change.
According to the Cabinet briefing held on February 24, 2026, the proposed renaming will require an amendment to the First Schedule of the Constitution of India. As part of the established procedure, the President of India will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 back to the Kerala Legislative Assembly to seek its formal views once again before Parliament takes up the matter.
The move does not involve any change in the territorial boundaries, governance structure, or administrative framework of the state. Instead, it is aimed at adopting the Malayalam name ‘Keralam’, which is already in widespread use within the state in official documents, public communication, and cultural references.
The proposal reflects a broader trend seen across India, where states have sought to restore or adopt names rooted in local languages and historical usage. While ‘Kerala’ has been the English name used since the formation of the state in 1956, ‘Keralam’ is the term commonly used in Malayalam to describe the region.
Once the constitutional amendment process is completed, the revised name will be reflected across all official records, including central laws, government notifications, maps, and administrative references. The Cabinet clarified that the change would not impose any immediate financial or administrative burden, as updates would be carried out in a phased manner.
The decision is largely symbolic but significant in terms of cultural representation and linguistic identity. Similar name changes in the past have been implemented following constitutional amendments after consultations with state governments.
Further action on the proposal will depend on the response of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and subsequent parliamentary approval. Until then, ‘Kerala’ will continue to remain the official name for all administrative purposes.
