Kerala to Keralam: The High Cost and Complex Process of State Name Changes

• Changing a state's name is a costly and complex process, involving administrative and economic updates across various sectors.
• The process, governed by Article 3 of the Constitution, requires state assembly resolution, central government approval, parliamentary bill, and presidential assent.
• Estimated costs for a name change can range from 300 crore to 1000 crore rupees, covering updates to boards, maps, digital records, and infrastructure.
• The state government primarily bears the cost, while central agencies cover changes related to their departments like railways and postal services.
• Since 1950, approximately 11 states or union territories have changed names, with Kerala's proposed change to Keralam currently underway.