What is the procedure for renaming of states?
- The Constitution of India provides for the renaming of a state under Article 3 and Article 4. A bill for renaming a state may be introduced in the Parliament on the recommendation of the President.
- The states are formed on the basis of a law made by the Parliament and there is no need for an amendment to rename a state. Further, even though such law contains provision for amendment of 1st and 4th schedule, it shall not be deemed to be an amendment for the purpose of Article 368.
- Before the introduction of the bill, the President shall send the bill to the respective state assembly for expressing their views within a stipulated time. The views of the state assembly are not binding, but the process must not be skipped as it is of vital importance as any law so made will be affecting that particular state.
- On the expiry of the period, the bill will be sent to the Parliament for deliberation. The bill in order to take the force of a law must be passed by a simple majority. The bill is sent for approval to the President. After the approval of the said bill, the bill becomes a law and the name of the state stands modified.
