Malhar Certification: Maharashtra’s ‘Hindu-Only’ Meat Initiative

Alankar Mishra

Author

Updated: 16-04-2025 at 12:53 PM

The Malhar Certification, launched by Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane, is an exclusively Hindu Khatik venture meant to popularise Jhatka over Halal meat. The certification guarantees that the Jhatka mutton and chicken sold are from vendors of the Hindu Khatik community who follow religious customs. The initiative aims to provide a non-Halal meat option for Hindus and Sikhs while regulating sanitation and method of preparation.

What Is Malhar Certification?

The Malhar Certification program aims to unify all Hindu meat practitioners under one platform. Jain meat vendors in Maharashtra will get government's support under this initiative.

Key Objectives Of Malhar Certification

Ensure Halal Jhatka meat is readily available for Hindus and Sikhs.
Encourage strict Hindu Khatik community vendors who deal with meat.
Guarantee fresh and uncontaminated meat that isn't mixed with other animal meat.
Establish a platform for selling Jhatka meat and discourage Halal meat sales.

This initiative covers the whole state and enables Jhatka meat Shop owners to register for certification. Only shops owned by Hindu Khatik community members will be certified under this scheme.

Why Was Malhar Certification Introduced?

Malhar Certification comes when the demand for Non-Halal meat products is on the rise. For instance, many Jhatka meat consumers from Hindu and Sikh communities claim that it is less opposed to their religion compared to Halal meat.

The Jhatka technique of meat processing or butchering guarantees instant death to the animal, making Jhatka consumption more acceptable to some Hindus as compared to other methods.

In addition, the certification supports a broader non-Halal food movement in other industries such as aviation and hospitality.

Government's Stand On Malhar Certification

Minister Nitesh Rane emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating that it is designed to give Hindus the option to buy meat prepared as per their customs. He also urged Hindus to purchase meat only from Malhar-certified shops.

How Does Malhar Certification Work?

Malhar Certification guarantees that meat is processed observing Hindu customs, serving as a definitive substitution to Halal. Here’s how it works:

Vendor Registration: Only vendors from the Hindu Khatik community may register.
Certification Process: Vendors must abide by the strict Hindu norms in the preparation of the meat.
Access by Consumers: Clients can locate Malhar-certified stores on MalharCertification.com.

This program's goal is to quotient meat merchants based on their religious and cultural orientation, allowing Hindus access to non-Halaal meat.

Growing Demand For Non-Halal Meat

Last November, Air India stopped serving Halal meals for Sikh and Hindu customers.
Many Hindu groups have been campaigning for the substitution of Halal with Jhatka for quite some time.
Malhar certification is aimed at providing these foods to fulfil some religious requirements.

Conclusion

The Malhar Certification seeks to establish a distinct meat supply chain for Hindus through the provision of certified vendors for Jhatka meat. While proponents defend it by claiming it maintains religious dietary limitations, adversaries consider it an attempt to further segregate meat industries along religious boundaries.

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