Mon Mar 10 14:29:04 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Minister Launches “Malhar” Certification for Hindu-Run Mutton Shops
**Mumbai, March 10, 2025** – Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane today announced the launch of “Malhar,” a new certification program for mutton shops in the state. The initiative, he stated, will exclusively certify shops owned and operated by Hindus, aiming to empower Hindu youth economically and ensure the quality of mutton sold. Minister Rane urged consumers to prioritize purchasing mutton from Malhar-certified shops, effectively boycotting those without the certification.
The Malhar certification mirrors the existing halal certification, a practice followed in the Islamic faith for the slaughter of animals. The minister contrasted halal with the jhatka method, which involves a single, swift neck severance. While both sides have traditionally claimed their methods are more humane, the Malhar initiative represents a direct response to concerns raised by right-wing groups about the halal industry.
This initiative comes amid a broader national debate surrounding halal certification, which has been criticized by some as discriminatory. These groups have called for a boycott of halal meat, arguing it excludes Hindus from the industry’s workforce and constitutes an “economic jihad.” They further contend that the halal process is unnecessary and advocate for the establishment of a jhatka certification authority as an alternative. However, halal certification extends beyond meat, encompassing various food and pharmaceutical products adhering to Islamic dietary laws for both domestic and export markets.
The Malhar certification program marks a significant step in this ongoing controversy, promising to directly address the economic aspects of the debate within Maharashtra. The minister’s call for a boycott of non-certified shops indicates a strong push for widespread adoption of this new certification system.
First Piper 