‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’: What is the process to change the name of an Indian State?
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Constitution, amendments & basic structure· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Union Cabinet approved the renaming of 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' following a resolution by the Kerala Assembly, highlighting the constitutional procedure for altering state names.
Background
The Union Cabinet approved the name change following a June 2024 resolution by the Kerala Assembly. Under Article 3, the process requires a Presidential recommendation and approval by both Houses of Parliament.
Facts for Prelims
- ConstitutionArticle 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to alter the name of a state.
- FactThe Kerala Assembly passed a resolution for the name change in June 2024.
- ConstitutionThe views of the affected state legislature on a name change bill are not binding on Parliament.
- BodyThe Union Cabinet is the body that approved the renaming of the state.
For Mains
Q. Examine the constitutional provisions regarding the alteration of state boundaries and names, highlighting the balance between federal sentiments and parliamentary sovereignty.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Federal friction: Non-binding nature of state legislature views on name changes
- Parliamentary supremacy: Union's authority to alter state names under Article 3
- Identity politics: Balancing linguistic/cultural identity with administrative nomenclature
Keywords: Article 3 · Parliamentary Sovereignty · Federalism · State Nomenclature · Constitutional Amendment
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