NEWS – Kerala Assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to rename the state as ‘Keralam’ in the Constitution.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Rationale: The state is referred to as ‘Keralam’ in Malayalam, aligning with the historical demand for a united Kerala for Malayalam-speaking communities since the national freedom struggle.
• Constitutional Amendment: Request to amend the state’s name in the First Schedule of the Constitution to ‘Keralam’, and reflect the change in all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule.

PROCEDURE FOR RENAMING A STATE

• Parliamentary Approval: Required under Article 3 and 4 of the Constitution.
  • Bill Introduction: Can be introduced in Parliament upon the President’s recommendation.
  • State Assembly’s Views: The President sends the bill to the respective state assembly for their views, which are not binding.
  • Parliamentary Deliberation: The bill, after the stipulated period, is sent to Parliament for approval by a simple majority.
  • Presidential Assent: The approved bill is sent to the President, who upon approval, makes it law.

Initiation by a State

• Fresh Proposals: States can send proposals to the Home Ministry.
  • Union Cabinet Note: Home Ministry prepares a note for the Union Cabinet for amending the Schedule 1 of the Constitution.
  • Constitution Amendment Bill: Introduced in Parliament, requires simple majority approval, followed by the President’s assent.