Mumbai-Based Om Pratishthan’s 'Om Purity Certificate' For Hindu Traders Draws Flak For 'Fueling Communal Divide'

Mumbai-based Om Pratishthan has launched an initiative to identify Hindu traders by issuing the 'Om Purity Certificate'. However, this initiative is being accused of increasing communal tension and divisiveness among communities. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clarified that no private organisation has the right to distribute such certificates. Traders have been urged to file a complaint with the FDA or the police if they have any complaints in this regard.

What is Om Pratishthan's initiative?

Om Pratishthan, operating from Kamal Kunj on Shiv Sena Bhavan Marg in Dadar West, Mumbai, has announced a plan to issue 'Om Purity Certificates' to Hindu traders based on the concept of 'Hindu se Hindu'. The organisation claims that through this certificate, customers will be assured that the shopkeepers in their area are Hindus. After this, customers can verify the identity of the shop by scanning the QR code. The organisation is led by Ranjit Savarkar, grandson of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, and Manjiri Marathe.

Om Pratishthan has tried to support its initiative by raising the issue of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. In the wake of this attack, the organisation is being accused of trying to increase tension between the Hindu and Muslim communities. Social activists say that such certificates will increase discrimination among traders and disrupt social harmony.

FDA's warning

The FDA has expressed clear opposition to this initiative. FDA officials said that no private organisation can issue certificates regarding the purity of food or trade. The distribution of such certificates is illegal. The administration has appealed to traders to immediately file a complaint with the local police station or FDA office if they are being pressured or harassed to obtain such certificates.

Social activists and local citizens have criticised the initiative, saying that such schemes will increase mistrust and hostility in communities. It is alleged that sensitive issues like the Pahalgam attack are being used to spread communal hatred. Some local traders also said that such certificates will hurt their business and mutual trust.

The organisation's claim

Om Pratishthan has said in its website and publicity materials that this certificate is to provide pure prasad and puja materials to Hindu devotees. The organisation says that taking this certificate is voluntary and there is no compulsion on anyone. Also, the organisation has claimed that this will lead to economic development and empowerment of Hindu traders.

“This certification has nothing to do with the FDA. The vendors which come under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 are not required to accept any other certificates except for the certificates and licenses which are given as per the Act. We request that a complaint be filed if any vendor faces any issue,” said Vinod Dhawad, Assistant Commissioner, FDA, Nashik.

“The Constitution of this country allows a person to do business wherever he wants and gives freedom to people to buy things from whomever they want. Acts like these are just to disturb the communal fabric of the country. The attack on Pahalgam was by Pakistani terrorists. They want India to be disturbed internally with communal riots, and such acts are like helping Pakistan. We strongly condemn this,” added Shahu Khaire, politician.