Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Kerala Government Orders Phased, Low-Cost Shift to Keralam
Kerala is changing its official name to Keralam.
The government does not want this change to waste public money.
Offices can keep using items that say Kerala until they run out or need replacement.
Workers can make small corrections in ink when possible.
Signs can be changed during normal painting, repairs or replacement.
New items made in the future should use the name Keralam.
Government websites should also update the name without creating extra costs.
Officials must approve any early replacement that is truly needed for administrative or functional reasons.
The Kerala government directed departments and public institutions to avoid wasteful spending during the change to “Keralam.”
Existing stationery, seals, vehicles, furniture, equipment and signs can be used until their normal replacement or usable life ends.
Departments may correct existing printed materials and signboards in ink where practical.
All future government printing, procurement, websites and information systems should use the revised name where applicable.
The Parliament passed the renaming Bill in 2026 after the Kerala Assembly backed the change through resolutions in 2024 and later.
- Who
- The Government of Kerala, under Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha, issued the directions to government departments and public institutions.
- What
- Departments were told to implement the change from “Kerala” to “Keralam” without unnecessarily replacing usable government materials.
- When
- The directions followed Parliament’s passage of the renaming legislation in 2026; the Kerala Assembly first passed a supporting resolution in 2024.
- Where
- Across Kerala government departments, public institutions, local self-government bodies and government-controlled organisations, including their websites and information systems.
- Why
- To implement the name change in phases while avoiding wasteful expenditure and unnecessary financial liability.
- Revised name
- Keralam
- Chief secretary
- Bishwanath Sinha
- Existing materials
- Letterheads, forms, files, publications and other printed items may be used until existing stocks are exhausted.
- Signs and seals
- Existing signboards, office boards, seals and rubber stamps need not be replaced solely because of the name change.
- Future production
- New stationery, forms, signs, name boards and official seals should carry “Keralam” where applicable.
- Digital systems
- Government websites and other information technology-enabled systems should incorporate the revised name without financial liability.
- Legislative timeline
- The Kerala Assembly passed a supporting resolution in 2024, and Parliament passed the renaming Bill in 2026.