Paschim Banga may soon become the official name of West Bengal. The state government plans to bring the renaming proposal to the Assembly in its next session. This note covers the Article 3 procedure for renaming a state, earlier West Bengal proposals, and the traps examiners set on this topic.
Why in News?
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya announced that the state government will soon table a Bill in the Legislative Assembly to rename West Bengal as Paschim Banga. He linked the new name to the state’s history and identity.
For prelims, the real issue is who has the power to rename a state. Under the Constitution, a state cannot change its own name. Only Parliament can do it, by law under Article 3.
Key Facts for Prelims: Paschim Banga Proposal
- Proposed name: Paschim Banga (the Bengali form of “West Bengal”)
- Who announced it: The state BJP president, on behalf of the state government
- Earlier proposals: “Paschim Banga” (2011); three names, Bangla, Bengal and Bangal (2016); and a single name, “Bangla”, through a unanimous Assembly resolution (2018)
- Outcome so far: The Centre approved none of the earlier proposals. One concern raised was the similarity of “Bangla” to Bangladesh.
- Reason usually given: In the alphabetical list, “West Bengal” comes last among states, so its turn comes last at inter-state meetings
Paschim Banga and Article 3: How a State Is Renamed
Under Article 3, Parliament may by law:
- form a new state by separating territory or uniting states
- increase or diminish the area of a state
- alter the boundaries of a state
- alter the name of a state
Step-by-step procedure:
- State resolution: The process usually starts with a resolution of the State Legislative Assembly, sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Consultation: MHA consults agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau, Railways, Department of Posts and Survey of India.
- President’s recommendation: A Bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament only on the prior recommendation of the President.
- Reference to the state: Before recommending it, the President refers the Bill to the State Legislature for its views within a specified period.
- Views not binding: Parliament can go ahead even if the state disagrees or does not reply in time.
- Passage: Both Houses pass the Bill by a simple majority and it becomes law with the President’s assent.
Static Link: Article 4 and the Schedules
- Article 4 says laws made under Articles 2 and 3 may amend the First Schedule (names and territories of states) and the Fourth Schedule (Rajya Sabha seats).
- Such laws are not deemed to be amendments under Article 368. So a simple majority is enough, not a special majority.
- Babulal Parate case (1960): The Supreme Court held that if Parliament amends the Bill, it need not be referred to the state again.
- For Union Territories, there is no requirement to refer the Bill to any legislature.
- Renaming a city or village does not need a Parliament law. The state government does it by executive order after MHA’s no-objection.
Past Renaming of States and UTs
| Old Name | New Name | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Madras State | Tamil Nadu | 1969 |
| Mysore | Karnataka | 1973 |
| Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands | Lakshadweep | 1973 |
| Pondicherry | Puducherry | 2006 |
| Uttaranchal | Uttarakhand | 2007 |
| Orissa | Odisha | 2011 |
Note: The Orissa-to-Odisha change also needed the 96th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011, because the language name “Oriya” in the Eighth Schedule was changed to “Odia”. Changing a language name in the Eighth Schedule needs an Article 368 amendment.
Quick Revision Table: Paschim Banga and Renaming of States
| Parameter | Fact |
|---|---|
| Proposed new name | Paschim Banga |
| Power to rename a state | Parliament, by law (Article 3) |
| Bill introduced on | Prior recommendation of the President |
| Role of State Legislature | Gives views; not binding |
| Majority required | Simple majority |
| Amendment under Article 368? | No (Article 4(2)) |
| Schedule amended | First Schedule (Fourth Schedule if Rajya Sabha seats change) |
| Earlier single name proposed by the Assembly | Bangla |
| Most recent state renamed | Orissa to Odisha |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Common Confusion | Correct Position |
|---|---|
| A State Assembly can rename the state by passing its own Bill | No. Only Parliament can, under Article 3. The Assembly can only recommend or give its views. |
| Renaming a state needs a special majority under Article 368 | No. Article 4(2) says it is not an amendment under Article 368, so a simple majority is enough. |
| The state’s views bind the President and Parliament | No. The views are only advisory. |
| The Bill can be introduced without the President’s recommendation | No. Prior recommendation of the President is mandatory. |
| Renaming a city also needs an Act of Parliament | No. It is an executive decision of the state with MHA’s no-objection. |
| Article 2 and Article 3 mean the same thing | No. Article 2 is for admitting new states from outside India (e.g., Sikkim). Article 3 is for reorganising existing states. |
Practice MCQs on Paschim Banga and Article 3
1. Under which Article of the Constitution can Parliament alter the name of a State?
a. Article 2
b. Article 3
c. Article 4
d. Article 368
Ans: B
Explanation: Article 3 lets Parliament form new states and alter the areas, boundaries or names of existing states. Article 2 deals with admitting new states into the Union.
2. A Bill to change the name of a State can be introduced in Parliament only:
a. After a two-thirds resolution of the State Assembly
b. On the recommendation of the President
c. With the consent of the Governor
d. After approval of the Inter-State Council
Ans: B
Explanation: Article 3 requires the prior recommendation of the President. The President first refers the Bill to the State Legislature for its views.
3. A law under Article 3 renaming a State is passed by:
a. Special majority under Article 368
b. Special majority plus ratification by half the states
c. Simple majority of both Houses
d. A joint sitting only
Ans: C
Explanation: Article 4(2) says such laws are not constitutional amendments under Article 368. So a simple majority is enough.
4. Which renaming also needed a constitutional amendment to change a language name in the Eighth Schedule?
a. Madras to Tamil Nadu
b. Mysore to Karnataka
c. Orissa to Odisha
d. Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand
Ans: C
Explanation: The 96th Amendment Act, 2011 replaced “Oriya” with “Odia” in the Eighth Schedule.
5. The views of a State Legislature on a renaming Bill referred under Article 3 are:
a. Binding on Parliament
b. Binding on the President only
c. Not binding; Parliament may proceed
d. Needed only when the area is increased
Ans: C
Explanation: The state must be consulted, but its views are advisory. Parliament may pass the law even if the state objects.
Exam tip: Revise Articles 2, 3 and 4 and the First Schedule together. Prelims questions on the Paschim Banga proposal will test the procedure, not the announcement.
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