---
title: "Rajya Sabha Approves Bill to Rename Kerala to Keralam"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/rajya-sabha-passes-bill-to-rename-kerala-keralam-dzl8b
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-12T17:02:06.978Z
modified: 2026-08-12T19:30:04.766Z
language: en-IN
---

# Rajya Sabha Approves Bill to Rename Kerala to Keralam

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, officially renaming the southern Indian state to Keralam. The legislative action follows a 2024 resolution by the Kerala assembly.

## Key takeaways

- The Rajya Sabha has passed legislation to rename Kerala to Keralam.
- This decision follows a 2024 resolution from the Kerala Assembly advocating for the name change.
- The bill seeks to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution to reflect the new name.
- Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai stated the change is a matter of pride and heritage.

## What Happened

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to rename the state of Kerala to Keralam. The bill was passed by voice vote amid disruptions during the Monsoon Session of Parliament in New Delhi. The Lok Sabha had previously passed the bill on the preceding day without debate. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, piloted the legislation, stating it aligns with the Kerala Assembly's 2024 resolution urging the Union government to enact the name change. He emphasized that the renaming is a matter of pride for Kerala and all of India, representing its heritage and culture.

## Background

The move to change the state's name to Keralam stems from a resolution adopted by the Kerala Assembly in 2024. This resolution noted a long-standing demand for a united Kerala for Malayalam speakers, dating back to the country's independence struggle. The assembly unanimously appealed to the Central government to amend the Constitution's First Schedule to reflect the new name.

## Key Facts

- The Rajya Sabha passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026.

- The bill officially renames the state from Kerala to Keralam.

- The Kerala Assembly passed a resolution in 2024 requesting the name change.

- Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai piloted the bill.

- The bill aims to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/rajya-sabha-passes-bill-to-rename-kerala-keralam-dzl8b
Reported from: Multiple Sources