Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane bats for Hindu-only mutton shops with 'Malhar' certification

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane on Monday announced that all jhatka mutton shops in the state would be registered under the newly-launched 'Malhar' certificate.

He emphasised that these shops would exclusively be run by Hindus.

Rane said that a certification platform for jhatka meat suppliers -- called MalharCertification.com -- had been created. He said that these outlets would be 100 per cent Hindu-operated.

"Today we have taken an important step for the Hindu community from Maharashtra. This thought is being brought for the Hindu community through which Hindus will get access to mutton shops selling Jhatka mutton for Hindus," he said on X, adding "This Malhar certification should be used more and more and Hindus should not buy mutton from shops without Malhar certification. This is what I appeal to people. Jai Shri Ram."

"These efforts will definitely make the youth of the Hindu community financially empowered," the minister said.

Notably, Halal certification, which is already in place, assures that shops selling meat are in compliance with Muslim law. Jhatka meat in comparison, is prepared after killing the animal with a single blow.

The Maharashtra fisheries minister urged Hindus not to buy meat from any shop that did not have the Malhar certification.

As per the Malhar website, it is a "certified platform for Jhatka mutton and chicken vendors." The site says goat or sheep meat is made and 'sacrificed according to Hindu religious traditions'.

"This meat is available exclusively through Hindu Khatik community vendors. Therefore, we encourage everyone to purchase mutton only from vendors certified by Malhar," the website further reads, noting that their meat is "fresh, clean, free from saliva contamination, and not mixed with any other animal meat."