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Historic Cabinet Approval at New PMO Complex
On February 24, 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officially approved the proposal to change the state’s name from Kerala to Keralam. This marked the first major decision taken at the newly inaugurated Prime Minister’s Office complex, “Seva Teerth.” The move reflects the will of the people of Kerala, as highlighted by PM Modi, and aligns with the state’s traditional name in the Malayalam language.
Legislative Push from Kerala Assembly
The approval builds on strong support from the Kerala Legislative Assembly, which passed unanimous resolutions urging the Centre to make the change. The most recent resolution, adopted on June 24, 2024, emphasized that “Keralam” is the natural name in Malayalam. It noted the state’s formation on linguistic lines on November 1, 1956-celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day—and the historical demand for a united Malayalam-speaking region since the independence struggle. The assembly appealed for urgent action under Article 3 of the Constitution to modify the name in the First Schedule.
Cultural and Linguistic Significance of the Change
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and supporters have long argued that “Keralam” better represents the state’s roots, as it is the term used in Malayalam for “the land of coconuts” or the region itself. The English-adapted “Kerala” has been seen as a colonial-era variation, and the shift aims to honor the state’s linguistic heritage while preserving its cultural identity in official records across India’s languages.
Remaining Steps in the Constitutional Process
Under Article 3 of the Constitution, the name change requires several procedural steps before finalization. The President of India will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its formal views. Once those views are received, the Central Government will secure the President’s recommendation to introduce the Bill in Parliament. If passed by both houses of Parliament and assented to by the President, the First Schedule of the Constitution will be amended, officially replacing “Kerala” with “Keralam” in all Eighth Schedule languages.
This development has sparked mixed reactions, with praise for cultural recognition alongside some criticism questioning its priority over other developmental needs. The process is now underway, with the final change expected to follow parliamentary approval.