Hindu Janajagruti Samiti demands a ban on halal certification in Maharashtra; Dy CM Eknath Shinde directs officials to submit proposal | File Photo
Mumbai: Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has demanded a ban on ‘Halal Certification’ in Maharashtra. Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde has directed senior officials to submit a proposal on banning halal-certified products after a meeting with Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, the right-wing organisation claimed.
Following Uttar Pradesh’s ban on ‘halal certificates’ under chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti recently submitted a formal request to Dy CM Eknath Shinde urging a ban on halal products in Maharashtra. The organisation argued that certifying products on religious grounds is unconstitutional in a secular state.
The right-wing organisation submitted its proposal to Dy CM Shinde on Monday, which raised concerns over ‘halal certification’. The proposal alleged that the certification has been established parallel to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which is the government authority to set standards and issue certificates for food products. It alleged that the certification violates government regulations and creates confusion about the quality of food products.
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti alleged that organisations like ‘Halal India,’ ‘Halal Certification Services India,’ ‘Jamiyat Ulema-e-Hind,’ and ‘Jamiyat Ulema-e-Maharashtra’ are allegedly distributing halal certificates illegally and collecting crores of rupees. It alleged that the funds from halal certification are being used to provide legal assistance to around 700 accused linked to terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Indian Mujahideen, and Islamic State.
The organisation has demanded strict action against private institutions illegally issuing halal certificates in Maharashtra by taking legal action against them. It also demanded that the funds collected by private institutions under the pretext of halal certification should be investigated, and illegal wealth amassed through halal certificates should be recovered with interest. It also alleged that the certification violates the constitutional rights of Hindus.
After the meeting on Monday, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti claimed that the deputy CM has directed the state’s Food and Civil Supplies Secretary to submit a proposal on banning halal-certified products. The organisation said that they will welcome the ban on halal-certified products, if it is imposed in Maharashtra.
“Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also clarified that private organisations are not authorised to collect money by issuing such certificates. We have demanded a thorough investigation to determine how these funds were used and whether they posed a threat to national security. Following the meeting, the deputy chief minister has instructed senior officials to submit a proposal on the matter,” said Sunil Ghawat, Maharashtra state coordinator for Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.
