From Kerala to Keralam: President assents to name change bill for God’s Own Country

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, giving legal effect to the proposed change in the official name of the state from Kerala to Keralam. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 11 and the Rajya Sabha on August 12. It provides that the state of Kerala shall be known as the state of Keralam from a date to be appointed by the Central Government through an Official Gazette notification.
The legislation amends the First and Fourth Schedules of the Constitution, replacing references to “Kerala” with “Keralam”. Corresponding references to Kerala in Articles 31A and 290A will also be replaced with Keralam.

The name change will have a range of administrative consequences, with official designations, government records and other materials using the state's name expected to be updated to reflect Keralam.
Government offices, from the Secretariat to village offices, are expected to update signboards, seals, letterheads, websites, apps and logos to reflect the new name. Certificates, gazettes and other official documents, including ration cards, may also require corresponding updates.

The names of public sector institutions, boards and corporations may also require corresponding changes. The names of the Kerala Public Service Commission, various commissions and welfare funds may likewise have to be updated to reflect the new state name.
The legislation allows the appropriate government to adapt or modify existing laws for up to one year from the appointed day to give effect to the name change.