The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the proposal to change the name of Kerala state to “Keralaam” on February 24, 2026. The move advances the long-standing demand to align the official English name with its Malayalam pronunciation (“Keralaam”), which reflects the cultural and linguistic heritage.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav told reporters after the meeting that the Kerala (Change in Name) Bill, 2026, will now be sent by the President of India to the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The referral seeks the views of the Assembly under the proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution, which controls changes to the name, boundaries or territories of a State. Parliament can make such changes by making laws, but the bill requires a recommendation from the President to be introduced and a first reference from the state legislature if it affects a state.

The process follows a unanimous resolution of the Kerala Assembly on June 24, 2024 (a modified version of the earlier 2023 resolution, which includes central suggestions for clarity). Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had moved the proposal, which called for a change in the First Schedule of the Constitution to show “Keralaam” in all the languages ​​of the Eighth Schedule.

Once the Assembly responds (within the stipulated time), the Center will initiate the process of seeking the President’s assent to introduce the Bill in Parliament. If passed, the name change will officially go into effect.

The move has drawn attention ahead of Kerala’s upcoming assembly elections, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s light-hearted question on denims (“Keralamite” or “Kerlamian”?). This reflects efforts to respect regional identity while following constitutional procedures. Further action depends on the Assembly’s input and parliamentary proceedings.