The launch of MalharCertification.com, a platform selling the sale of licensed mutton and rooster sourced solely from Hindu butchers, from the Khatik group, has triggered a debate within the state.
Launched by state fisheries and port growth minister Nitish Rane earlier this week in Mumbai, the initiative has been positioned as an alternative choice to Halal certification. (HT PHOTO)
Launched by state fisheries and port growth minister Nitish Rane earlier this week in Mumbai, the initiative has been positioned as an alternative choice to Halal certification. Whereas its proponents argue that the meat is hygienic and ethically sourced, critics see it as a politically motivated transfer aimed toward countering the dominance of Halal-certified merchandise within the Indian meat business.
The certification, launched by the Hindu Dalit Khatik Mahasangh, an affiliation of Hindu butchers, on March 10, ensures that meat merchandise offered via the platform are sourced solely from Hindu butchers who comply with the Jhatka technique of killing. Whereas Halal entails gradual bleeding strategy of a wholesome animal, adhering to Islamic tips, Jhatka entails killing an animal with a swift stroke.
A day after its launch, trustees of the Shri Martand Dev Sansthan in Jejuri objected to the identify ‘Malhar,’ citing its affiliation with Lord Khandoba. The matter, nevertheless, was swiftly settled, because it got here to gentle that it was “only one trustee’s personal opinion” mentioned Abhijit Devkate, a trustee of the Sansthan. “After thorough discussions we supported the move unanimously. The name Khandoba or Malhar is already used by many businesses, and we cannot restrict its usage.”
Nationalist Congress Get together (SP) chief Jitendra Awhad nevertheless referred to as the initiative “a divisive attempt to polarize the state on religious lines”.
“Halal meat is lawful and scientifically justified. It is recognised globally as it promotes consumption of hygienic meat,” Awhad mentioned. “Even animals sacrificed in Khandoba and Tulja Bhavani temples follow the Halal method. The Jhatka method is primarily practiced in Punjab among Sikhs. By introducing new classifications, they are trying to divide the two communities This will harm butchers who barely earn ₹200-400 a day.”
Imtiaz Jaleel, former MP and state president of All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), instructed HT, “I think there are no other issues left for the government to discuss. Hence, it is raising such matters to keep people divided. If these are the only issues to be discussed, I request chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to form a new ministry dedicated to dividing society and allocate it to Rane.”
Pune-based social activist Vijay Kumbhar questioned the authorisation of the brand new platform. “Is it a government-recognised body or a private initiative? What are its eligibility criteria? Who verifies them? The chief minister’s office must provide clarity and ensure citizens are not misled,” mentioned Kumbhar.
The controversy surrounding Malhar Certification underscores a bigger debate on non secular affect within the meat business, which Rane underlined throughout the launch of the platform earlier this week. “For Hindus in Maharashtra, we have now launched Malhar Certification to ensure access to authentic Jhatka meat. This is not just about purity; it is about economic empowerment for Hindu butchers,” Rane mentioned throughout the inauguration. “Every Hindu should purchase meat from Malhar-certified shops. This ensures a 100% Hindu-dominated supply chain with no adulteration and, most importantly, saliva-free meat.”
The platform features as an aggregator for Hindu butchers throughout Maharashtra, and gives customers a listing of Malhar-certified meat retailers.
Akash Palange, spokesperson for the Hindu Dalit Khatik Mahasangh, mentioned the certification was an try “to reclaim economic opportunities lost to Halal-dominated businesses”.
“Hindus are being forced to consume Halal meat when Hindu Dalit Khatik butchers are available. Consumers unknowingly purchase Halal-certified meat, as they lack awareness. Our certification ensures that customers can access meat processed as per Hindu traditions,” mentioned Palange, emphasising that “the Jhatka method is a centuries old practice”.