Himachal Pradesh Government Appoints Shyam Bhagat Negi as Interim Police Chief
The Himachal Pradesh state government has officially handed over the additional charge of the state police force and the Director General of Police (DGP) for the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) to Shyam Bhagat Negi, a 1990-batch IPS officer. This interim appointment is effective immediately and will remain in place until March 31, 2024, coinciding with Negi's scheduled retirement date.
Background and Career Details of Shyam Bhagat Negi
Shyam Bhagat Negi, who hails from the Kinnaur district, is recognized as the seniormost IPS officer currently serving in Himachal Pradesh. His career includes a significant stint on central deputation, where he was serving in the cabinet secretariat starting from May 2022. In July of the previous year, he was repatriated from this central assignment and subsequently posted as the additional chief secretary in the social justice and empowerment department, a position that was on a non-cadre basis.
Transition and Future Arrangements
To facilitate this appointment, 1993-batch IPS officer Ashok Tewari has proceeded on leave. Following Negi's retirement on March 31, Ashok Tewari is set to reassume the additional charge as the head of the state police force and DGP of the SV&ACB starting from April 1, 2024. This strategic move ensures a smooth transition in the leadership of the state's law enforcement agencies during this period.
The appointment underscores the government's reliance on experienced officers to maintain stability and continuity in key administrative roles, particularly in the police and vigilance sectors, as Himachal Pradesh navigates through this transitional phase.
