Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Monday announced a new certification for mutton shops across the state that would be run only by Hindus.
The new initiative will be applicable to the jhatka mutton shops in Maharashtra, where the sellers would get Malhar certificate. The certification will only be provided to the butchers from the Hindu community through a platform MalharCertification.com.
"Today we have taken a very important step for the Hindu community in Maharashtra. Malhar Certification.com (https://malharcertification.com) has been launched on this occasion. Through Malhar Certification, we will have access to our rightful mutton shops and there will be a 100 percent Hindu community and the person selling will also be a Hindu. No adulteration will be found in the mutton anywhere," Rane said in a post on X.
The minister, while announcing the Malhar certification initiative, urged people not to purchase mutton from "places where Malhar certification is not available". Contrary to the halal way of slaughter, the 'jhatka' meat is prepared after killing the animal with a single blow.
"I appeal to you to use Malhar certification as much as possible and in fact, not to buy mutton from places where Malhar certification is not available. These efforts will definitely make the youth of the Hindu community financially empowered," Rane added.
What Is Malhar Certification?
The Malhar certification is an initiative announced by Maharashtra Fisheries and Port Cabinet Minister Nitesh Rane, under which a platform has been created for Jhatka mutton and chicken vendors.
The certification ensures that goat and sheep meat, sacrificed according to Hindu religious traditions, is fresh, clean, free from saliva contamination, and not mixed with any other animal meat, the website states.
It further said that the goat or sheep meat is prepared and “sacrificed according to Hindu traditions" and available exclusively through Hindu Khatik community vendors. The website has also listed 16 shops across Maharashtra.