In a new initiative aimed at the Hindu community, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Monday introduced a certification system for jhatka mutton vendors, ensuring that such businesses are exclusively operated by Hindus. Under this initiative, all jhatka meat shops in the state will be registered under the "Malhar Certificate," a newly launched accreditation platform.

Speaking about the initiative, Rane emphasized that the move is intended to provide Hindus with access to meat prepared through the jhatka method, which involves a single, swift cut to minimize the animal’s suffering.

“This is an important step for Maharashtra’s Hindu community. Through this initiative, we are ensuring that Hindus have the option to buy mutton from shops selling jhatka meat specifically for them,” Rane stated.

Jhatka meat preparation differs from the halal method, which follows Islamic guidelines. Halal certification guarantees compliance with Muslim dietary laws, while the newly introduced Malhar certification ensures adherence to Hindu religious practices in meat preparation.

Encouraging the widespread adoption of the certification, the Maharashtra fisheries minister urged Hindus to purchase mutton only from Malhar-certified shops.

“The Malhar certification should be used extensively, and I appeal to Hindus to avoid buying meat from vendors who do not have this certification. Jai Shri Ram,” he added.

According to the official Malhar website, the platform serves as a certification system for vendors selling jhatka mutton and chicken. The site states that the meat is sourced and prepared following Hindu traditions, with all vendors belonging to the Hindu Khatik community.

The website further highlights that Malhar-certified meat is fresh, hygienic, free from saliva contamination, and not mixed with other types of meat.