Maharashtra BJP Minister Nitesh Rane has announced the launch of the Malhar certification platform, aimed at registering and certifying Jhatka meat shops across the state. This initiative ensures that these outlets are exclusively run by Hindus, providing an alternative to the existing Halal certification system. The minister urged Hindus to support the initiative by purchasing meat only from Malhar-certified shops, emphasizing that it is a step toward preserving Hindu traditions.
Jhatka meat, unlike halal, is prepared by swiftly killing the animal with a single blow, which is considered a painless method. The MalharCertification.com platform claims that their certified vendors strictly adhere to Hindu religious traditions and belong to the Hindu Khatik community. The website also highlights that the meat is fresh, uncontaminated, and free from mixing with other types of animal meat.
The move comes amid concerning rise of halal certification in India. At present times, Halal is not only limited to meat products but has got daily use products within its hold too. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta recently raised concerns in the Supreme Court regarding the halal certification of non-meat products such as iron bars, cement, wheat flour, and gram flour. He questioned why non-Muslims should be forced to bear higher costs for halal-certified products, pointing out that the certifying agencies generate significant revenue from this system. The case involves petitions challenging Uttar Pradesh’s ban on halal-certified food products for domestic consumption, a regulation introduced in November 2023. Petitioners argue that halal certification is a voluntary lifestyle choice, while the government maintains that non-halal consumers should not have to pay a premium for such products.
Beyond food, halal certification has expanded into pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and essential commodities, raising concerns about its broader economic and social impact. One major issue is the restriction of consumer choice. Another contentious aspect is the role of halal certifying authorities. Some organizations, such as Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH), have come under scrutiny for using certification fees to fund legal defenses for individuals accused in terror-related cases. This raises ethical concerns about how consumers’ money is being utilized without their knowledge. Employment discrimination is also a growing concern. Halal certification mandates that meat products must be slaughtered by Muslims, leading to a systematic exclusion of non-Muslims from employment in the meat industry. Large-scale abattoirs adhering to halal standards employ only Muslim workers, sidelining traditional Hindu butchers from opportunities in a billion-dollar sector.
With the introduction of the Malhar certification by BJP minister Nitesh Rane, Maharashtra seeks to offer an alternative that aligns with Hindu traditions while addressing concerns surrounding the monopolization of the halal economy.