Roopnagar had bagged the first position under the Total Literacy Campaign in the entire country and was given the national award, following which the state government decided to issue appreciation letters to those who had contributed to its success.

According to information, the Punjab Department of Education had faxed a letter on January 22 to the Roopnagar Deputy Commissioner, who is also the chairman of the Zila Sakharta Samiti, stating that the Chief Minister will hand over the letters to these teachers and officials at a function on January 26.

The names and present places of posting of 14 officials and 32 teachers were mentioned in the letter. An official admitted that the district administration had overlooked the government orders issued to the effect and not informed the officials and teachers concerned about the orders. Only one official -- OSD to Chief Minister Gurdip Singh -- and two teachers were handed over the appreciation letters by the Chief Minister on January 26, The Roopnagar Deputy Commissioner was not available for comments.