The Himachal Pradesh Government has assigned Shyam Bhagat Negi the additional charge of Director General of Police (DGP) of the state, as well as the charge of State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, in a temporary administrative arrangement. Negi, a 1990-batch IPS officer, will hold both positions from March 23 to 31, just days before his retirement on March 31. Currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment, Negi’s appointment is a stop-gap arrangement.The move follows the leave of Ashok Tewari, who is presently holding the additional charge of DGP. Tewari will be on leave from March 23 to 31 and is expected to resume duties on April 1, when he will reassume charge of both positions.There was speculation that Negi might be appointed as the Himachal Pradesh DGP when he returned to his parent cadre in July last year after a stint on central deputation. However, the government opted to assign the additional DGP charge to Ashok Tewari instead. Negi was subsequently appointed as Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment.With Ashok Tewari set to return from leave on April 1, the Himachal Pradesh Police leadership is expected to revert to the existing arrangement without disruption, ensuring administrative continuity in the state’s policing and vigilance functions.