Maharashtra Minister Nitish Rane Launches ‘100% Hindu’ Malhar Certification For Meat Shops, RTI Activist Seeks Clarity
Maharashtra Minister Nitish Rane Launches '100% Hindu' Malhar Certification For Meat Shops, RTI Activist Seeks Clarity
Maharashtra RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar has raised concerns over the legitimacy of the ‘Malhar Certification’ being issued to certain meat shops in the state. In a post on X, he questioned whether the certificate is government-approved and sought transparency on its issuance process.
Kumbhar’s post raised several queries, including which authority is responsible for granting the certification, what criteria are used, and whether the website malharcertification.com is officially recognized by the government. He also questioned what legal actions could be taken against shop owners if they fail to meet the certification conditions. Calling for transparency, he urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to provide an official statement on the matter.
His Questions Over Certification:
What is the Malhar Certificate? Has it been authorized by the government ? Currently, it is being said that some meat shop owners in Maharashtra are being given a ‘Malhar Certificate.’ But… What exactly is this certificate? For which animal’s meat is this certificate being issued?
Who exactly has the authority to issue this certificate?
Who are the individuals or organizations issuing this certificate?
What are the eligibility criteria for issuing this certificate, and who has set those criteria?
Is the website named malhar certification.com owned by the government or a private entity ?
Has the government authorized anyone to issue this certificate?
What criteria are followed before issuing this certificate? Who has determined those criteria?
If meat shop owners fail to comply with the conditions mentioned in the certificate, who will take action against them and under which law?
Before issuing this certificate, which laboratory conducts the inspection of the meat?
Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitish Rane recently launched the ‘Malhar Certification’ initiative, aimed at distinguishing mutton shops run exclusively by the Hindu community. According to Rane, the certification ensures the availability of non-Halal meat and helps prevent adulteration.
The initiative promotes meat vendors from the Hindu Khatik community, emphasizing the Jhatka method of slaughter. Rane has encouraged consumers to buy mutton only from Malhar-certified shops, stating that the initiative will empower Hindu traders financially. The certification claims to guarantee fresh and uncontaminated meat, aligning with a growing demand for non-Halal products.
