Current Context : Recently, Kerala Assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to rename the state as “Keralam’’ in the Constitution.

• The resolution was moved by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

WHY NAMED KERALAM?

• Kerala is the English word for the Malyali Keralam. There are several theories regarding its etymological roots.
• The earliest mention of the word Keralam can be found in Emperor Ashoka’s Rock Edict II, dated to 257 BCE.

PROCEDURE FOR RENAMING OF STATES

• Article 3 of Constitution deals with the renaiming of states.
• It empowers Parliament to alter the name of any State by law.
• It can be initiated by the Parliament or State Legislature.
• Bill may be introduced in Parliament on recommendation of President.
• President referrs to state Legislature for expressing their views.
• Majority needed : Simple majority.