Mumbai: The Maharashtra BJP government has launched a new web portal, MalharCertification.com, to certify Hindu Khatik vendors selling ‘Jhatka’ meat, including mutton and chicken. The initiative, led by Minister of Fisheries and Ports Development Nitesh Rane, has triggered criticism for promoting religious and caste-based segregation in the meat industry.
Announcing the launch on March 9, Rane urged Hindus to purchase meat only from certified Hindu-owned shops, claiming it would ensure “clean and unadulterated” meat. He emphasized that the Malhar certification would help Hindus identify shops owned by fellow Hindus and ensure that animals were slaughtered according to Hindu traditions.
At its core, the move appears to marginalize Muslim vendors, creating an economic divide that many view as an attempt to implement an unofficial boycott. Critics have likened it to economic apartheid, warning that it goes against the constitutional principles of secularism and equal opportunity.
Adding to the controversy, the official portal promotes the certification by claiming that Malhar meat is “free from saliva contamination” and not mixed with other animals’ meat—statements that echo anti-Muslim conspiracy theories. These narratives align with past Hindutva propaganda, including the discredited notion of “spit jihad.”
While the Jhatka vs. Halal meat debate has long existed, this certification politicizes the issue further, intensifying religious divisions. The policy also risks reinforcing caste-based labor roles by restricting certification to the Khatik community, a Dalit group traditionally engaged in meat selling. Rather than uplifting them, critics argue it confines them to an occupation tied to their caste, contradicting India’s constitutional push for social mobility.
Legal experts have raised concerns over the constitutionality of the policy. By excluding vendors based on religion, the scheme may violate fundamental rights, particularly the right to equality and non-discrimination. Many fear that such an initiative, if left unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent for religious segregation in business sectors.
While the Maharashtra government defends Malhar certification as a move to empower the Khatik community, its broader implications suggest an agenda that fosters division rather than unity. Calls for legal intervention and public opposition are growing, as critics urge the judiciary to step in and uphold India’s secular and inclusive framework.
