Renaming of States (Polity)
Renaming of States (Polity)
Why In News:
Parliament passed a Bill to rename the state of Kerala as 'Keralam', reviving the constitutional debate on how states and Union Territories can be renamed in India.
Source: The Indian Express, Page 6, 13 August 2026, 'Parliament passes Bill to rename Kerala as Keralam'
Constitutional Provision
Parliamentary Power: Under Article 3, Parliament has the power to change the name, area or boundaries of any State through legislation.
Initiation of Proposal: The process generally begins with a proposal from the State Government, which is examined and forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Presidential Recommendation: After the proposal is cleared, the Bill can be introduced in Parliament only with the prior recommendation of the President.
Reference to State Legislature: If the proposal concerns a State’s name, area or boundaries, the President refers the Bill to the concerned State Legislature for its views within a specified period.
Advisory Nature of State's Views: The State Legislature's views are not binding on Parliament. Parliament may accept, modify or reject them.
Simple Majority: The Bill requires a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament and does not require the special procedure prescribed under Article 368.
Presidential Assent: After parliamentary approval, the Bill is sent to the President for assent. Once approved, the change becomes law and the First Schedule of the Constitution is amended.
Precedents of State/UT Renaming
Orissa was renamed Odisha in 2011.
Uttaranchal was renamed Uttarakhand in 2007.
Pondicherry was renamed Puducherry in 2006.
A proposal to rename West Bengal as 'Bangla' has been under consideration but has not been enacted.