PYUTHAN: Pyuthna has become thumb impression free district from Moday. A district level meeting of District Informal Education Committee and other stakeholders, including DEO, today declared Pyuthan a thumb-signature free zone putting an end to the use of thumb impression for people ranging from 15 to 60 years of age at government offices, non-governmental offices, and all other organisations.

District Education Officer Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said the announcement had put an end to the use of thumb impression for people between 15 to 60 years.

The district has invested Rs 35 million for the literacy campaign till date. LDO Shiv Prasad Regmi said they had proclaimed Pyuthan a thumb-impression free district to discourage the use of the thumb-impression.

District Education Committee Pyuthan has informed that they would organise a formal programme in 20 days and declare Pyuthan a completely literate district.

CDO Ram Bahadur Kurumwang, however, expressed ignorance about the decision. “Even if such a decision has been taken, it is challenging to implement it.” Kurumwang said.

NC Pyuthan President Subash KC said that if executed, the decision could bring positive change in the district. KC, however, cast doubt on implementation of the decision. He also asked government officials to be cautious not to deprive people of their facilities due to the provision.

Constituent Assembly member Hira Bahadur KC from the district stressed the need to give continuity to the literacy campaign.

District Education Office Pyuthan said Informal Education Central Office had granted permission to declare the district literate after 43, 48 people out of 44,834 were made literate.