Rajya Sabha Passes Bills to Rename Kerala, Strengthen NCDC
The Rajya Sabha recently approved two significant bills. One aims to change Kerala's name, and the other seeks to strengthen the National Cooperative Development Corporation.
Source: GNews ParliamentThe Rajya Sabha has passed two important bills: the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes to rename the state of Kerala to 'Keralam'. This change reflects the long-standing demand from the state government and is based on the Malayalam word for the region. The National Cooperative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to enhance the powers and functions of the NCDC. This will allow the NCDC to better support and promote cooperative societies across various sectors, including agriculture, rural industries, and services. Both bills were passed by voice vote in the Upper House of Parliament, following their earlier passage in the Lok Sabha. These legislative actions are expected to have significant impacts on the state of Kerala and the cooperative sector in India.
This news is important for competitive exams, especially for Polity and Economy sections. The renaming of a state involves constitutional amendment procedures, a key topic for UPSC GS Paper II. Understanding the role and strengthening of bodies like NCDC is crucial for questions on cooperative federalism, rural development, and government initiatives in the economy, relevant for UPSC GS Paper III and SSC General Awareness.
- The Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
- This Bill proposes to change Kerala's name to 'Keralam'.
- The National Cooperative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was also passed.
- The NCDC Amendment Bill aims to strengthen the National Cooperative Development Corporation.
- Both bills were passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha.
- The bills had previously been passed by the Lok Sabha.
The Upper House of the Indian Parliament, also known as the Council of States. Its members are indirectly elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union Territories. It has a maximum strength of 250 members, with 12 nominated by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services.
Established in 1963 under an Act of Parliament, NCDC is a statutory corporation under the Ministry of Cooperation. Its main function is to plan, promote, and finance programmes for the production, processing, marketing, storage, export, and import of agricultural produce and other goods on cooperative principles.
A legislative proposal to modify the Constitution of India. Such bills require a special majority in both Houses of Parliament (two-thirds of members present and voting, and a majority of the total membership of the House) for passage. Some amendments also require ratification by at least half of the state legislatures.
Exams frequently ask about constitutional amendment procedures, especially regarding state reorganization (Article 3). Questions on statutory bodies like NCDC, their functions, and the Ministry of Cooperation are common in UPSC and State PSC exams.
Remember 'Keralam' for Kerala, and 'NCDC' for 'National Cooperative Development' both passed by 'RS' (Rajya Sabha).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kerala being renamed to Keralam?
Kerala is being renamed to 'Keralam' to align with the state's name in Malayalam, the local language. The state assembly passed a resolution in 2023 requesting this change, reflecting a cultural and linguistic preference.
What is the purpose of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024?
The National Cooperative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to expand the scope and functions of the NCDC. It will enable the NCDC to provide more comprehensive support and financial assistance to cooperative societies across various economic sectors, thereby strengthening the cooperative movement in India.
What is the process for renaming a state in India?
The process for renaming a state in India involves a bill introduced in Parliament. This bill requires a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament. However, if the name change involves a constitutional amendment, it would require a special majority as per Article 368 of the Constitution. The state legislature's views are also considered, though not binding on Parliament.