BJP MP Raises Halal Certification Concerns in Rajya Sabha

by

Ganpat Singh Chouhan

New Delhi: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni on Wednesday raised the issue of halal certification and its associated problems in the upper house of Parliament. Dr. Medha stated that halal is a concept linked to a particular religion and faith, specifically related to meat consumption. However, she pointed out that general items like plastic, cement, milk, sugar, and oil are also being given halal certificates.

The Maharashtra MP argued that halal certification for meat should be provided by the government and not by religious institutions. She emphasized that India is a secular country where people of different faiths reside. Consuming halal meat goes against the beliefs of communities like Hindus and Sikhs, making it wrong to impose halal-certified meat on others.

Dr. Kulkarni stated that according to the Constitution, this practice is incorrect as it guarantees everyone the right to follow their respective faiths. She also raised concerns about non-meat products receiving halal certification, questioning why items like milk, sugar, oil, and medicines are being given such certificates when halal is specifically related to meat.

The BJP MP further highlighted that not only non-meat food items but also non-food products are receiving halal certification. She informed the Rajya Sabha that non-food items such as cement, chemicals, plaster, and construction materials are also being given halal certificates, calling this practice illogical and concerning.

Dr. Kulkarni referenced medical studies on the issue, stating that recent research suggests halal meat consumption could be harmful. She mentioned that health science research indicates that after the halal process, harmful chemicals spread in the animal’s body.

She also pointed out that certification charges lead to price increases in the market, which all consumers have to bear indirectly. This situation hampers consumer freedom, market transparency, and general justice.

The MP questioned why religious institutions are given certification rights when India already has FSSAI for food inspection and FDI for medicine inspection. She suggested that if halal certification for meat is necessary, it should be provided within the government system, with certification fees deposited in the government treasury.

Dr. Kulkarni demanded immediate cancellation of halal certification for non-meat and non-food items, stating that such practices hinder secularism in the country.

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