Why in News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to change the name of the State of Kerala to “Keralam”.
Description:
Historical & Linguistic Context:
- Origin: Earliest mention in Ashokan Rock Edict II (3rd century BCE) as “Keralaputra”. References are also found in Sangam literature (Chera dynasty).
- Formation: Created on Nov 1, 1956, via the States Reorganisation Act, unifying Malayalam-speaking regions: Travancore-Cochin, Malabar (Madras), and Kasaragod (South Canara).
- The Proposal: Kerala Assembly passed a unanimous resolution (June 2024) to adopt the native name “Keralam.”
Constitutional Provisions:
| Article 3 of the Constitution | Article 4 of the Constitution |
| Empowers Parliament to form new States and alter area, boundaries or name of existing States. | Laws made under Article 3 may amend the First Schedule (List of States) and Fourth Schedule (Rajya Sabha seats). |
| Bill introduced only with prior recommendation of the President; President must refer to the concerned State Legislature for its views (not binding on Parliament). | Such laws are not Constitutional Amendments under Article 368. |
Procedure:
- State Resolution: Assembly passes a proposal.
- Union Approval: Cabinet clears the proposal.
- Presidential Recommendation: Required before introducing the Bill. Bill referred to the State Legislature for views (not binding).
- Parliamentary Vote: Passed as an ordinary legislation (Simple Majority).
- Schedule Amendment: First Schedule is updated; Presidential assent finalized.
Previous Examples of Name Changes:
| Old Name | New Name | Year |
| Madras State | Tamil Nadu | 1969 |
| Mysore | Karnataka | 1973 |
| Pondicherry | Puducherry | 2006 |
| Uttaranchal | Uttarakhand | 2007 |
| Orissa | Odisha | 2011 |
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