Daily Current Affairs : 26-June-2024

Recently, the Kerala Legislative Assembly surpassed an ancient resolution, calling for the state’s name to be changed from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’. This choice aims to invoke Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which permits for the alteration of a state’s name. The resolution proposes that the name change be formally recognized by updating the First Schedule of the Constitution.

Why the Name Change?

The name ‘Keralam’ is the Malayalam word for the state, and supporters of the change believe it better represents the cultural and linguistic identity of the people. The term ‘Kerala’ has been associated with the Anglicized version of the name, while ‘Keralam’ holds stronger connections to the local language and traditions.

Procedure for Renaming a State

The process of renaming a state in India is governed by Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which empowers Parliament to make changes to the names of states. The steps involved are as follows:

  1. Initiation of the Process:
    The process can start with either the Parliament or the State Legislature. In this case, the Kerala Legislative Assembly has taken the first step by passing a resolution.
  2. Presidential Recommendation:
    For the name change to move forward, the President must first recommend it to Parliament. After receiving the President’s recommendation, the proposal is sent to the state legislature for their views.
  3. Bill Passage:
    Once the views of the state legislature are received, a bill is introduced in Parliament. The bill needs to be passed by a simple majority in both houses of Parliament.
  4. Presidential Assent:
    After the bill is passed, the President must give their assent. Once this is done, the new name is officially recorded in the First and Fourth Schedules of the Indian Constitution, making it legally binding.

Important Points:

  • The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution to change the state’s name from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’.
  • The resolution invokes Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which allows for the alteration of a state’s name.
  • ‘Keralam’ is the Malayalam term for the state and is seen as a stronger representation of the local cultural and linguistic identity.
  • The renaming process follows the procedure outlined in Article 3 of the Indian Constitution:
  • The process can begin either with the state legislature or Parliament.
  • The President must recommend the name change to Parliament.
  • Parliament introduces a bill, which is passed by a simple majority in both houses.
  • Once passed, the President gives assent, and the new name is recorded in the First and Fourth Schedules of the Constitution.
  • If approved, Kerala will officially be renamed ‘Keralam’, reflecting a deeper connection to the state’s heritage.

Why In News

The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to amend the Constitution and change the state’s name from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’, a move aimed at better reflecting the state’s cultural identity and linguistic heritage.

MCQs about Kerala’s Move to Rename Itself ‘Keralam

  1. What was the main purpose of the Kerala Legislative Assembly’s resolution?
    A. To change the state’s capital
    B. To amend the Indian Constitution
    C. To change the state’s name from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’
    D. To form a new state within India
    Correct Answer: C. To change the state’s name from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’
    Explanation: The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution to change the state’s name from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’, aiming to reflect the state’s cultural and linguistic heritage more accurately.
  2. Under which article of the Indian Constitution can the name of a state be changed?
    A. Article 19
    B. Article 3
    C. Article 51
    D. Article 25
    Correct Answer: B. Article 3
    Explanation: Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to alter the name of a state, and it is the basis for the process of renaming states.
  3. What is the main difference between ‘Kerala’ and ‘Keralam’?
    A. ‘Kerala’ is the local name, and ‘Keralam’ is the Anglicized version
    B. ‘Kerala’ is the Malayalam term, while ‘Keralam’ is the English version
    C. ‘Kerala’ is an Anglicized version, while ‘Keralam’ is the local Malayalam term
    D. Both names mean the same but are spelled differently
    Correct Answer: C. ‘Kerala’ is an Anglicized version, while ‘Keralam’ is the local Malayalam term
    Explanation: ‘Keralam’ is the term used in the local Malayalam language, while ‘Kerala’ is the Anglicized version of the name.
  4. What is the final step in the process of renaming a state in India?
    A. The state legislature must approve the name change
    B. The President must give assent, and the name is recorded in the First and Fourth Schedules of the Constitution
    C. Parliament must vote on the bill
    D. The new name is implemented immediately after the state passes the resolution
    Correct Answer: B. The President must give assent, and the name is recorded in the First and Fourth Schedules of the Constitution
    Explanation: After Parliament passes the bill for a state name change, the President’s assent is required, and the new name is officially recorded in the First and Fourth Schedules of the Indian Constitution, making it legally binding.

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