Shimla: In a significant cadre-related development, the Himachal Pradesh government has promoted six Indian Police Service (IPS) officers of the 2012 batch (Himachal Pradesh cadre) to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG). The promotion orders were issued following the recommendations of the Screening Committee, marking an important step in the senior-level restructuring of the state police leadership.
The promotions will come into effect from January 1, 2026, as per the official notification released by the state government.
Promotion Order Issued After Screening Committee Recommendations
According to the notification, the elevation of the officers has been approved after due consideration by the Screening Committee, which evaluates eligibility, service records, and cadre requirements. The move reflects the routine yet crucial process of career progression within the Indian Police Service, particularly for officers completing the required years of service in their batch.
DIG Rank Comes with Level-13A Pay Matrix
As per the promotion order, all six officers have been promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) under Level-13A of the Pay Matrix.
The notification mentions the pay level as ₹2,16,600, corresponding to Level-13A, which is applicable to DIG-rank officers across the country. The promotions will be effective with effect from January 1, 2026 (w.e.f. 01.01.2026).
List of Promoted IPS Officers (HP Cadre – 2012 Batch)
The following officers have been promoted to DIG rank, along with their present postings and the basis of promotion as stated in the notification:
- Ms. Shalini Agnihotri, IPS (HP-2012)
- Present Posting: On Central Deputation
- Promotion Basis: Proforma basis
- Rohit Malpani, IPS (HP-2012)
- Present Posting: Superintendent of Police (SP), Cyber Crime, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Promotion Basis: Regular basis
- Dr. Khushal Chand Sharma, IPS (HP-2012)
- Present Posting: Commandant, 2nd Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn), Sakoh, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
- Promotion Basis: Regular basis
- Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, IPS (HP-2012)
- Present Posting: Superintendent of Police, District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Promotion Basis: Regular basis
- Dr. Ramesh Chander Chhajta, IPS (HP-2012)
- Present Posting: Superintendent of Police (Leave Reserve), Police Headquarters, Shimla
- Promotion Basis: Regular basis
- Dr. Devakar Sharma, IPS (HP-2012)
- Present Posting: Commandant, 4th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn), Jangalberi, District Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh
- Promotion Basis: Regular basis
One Officer Promoted on Proforma Basis
Among the six officers, Ms. Shalini Agnihotri, IPS, who is currently on Central Deputation, has been promoted on a proforma basis. Proforma promotions are typically granted to officers serving outside the state cadre to ensure they are not disadvantaged in seniority or pay progression due to deputation assignments.
Strengthening Senior Police Leadership in the State
The elevation of these 2012-batch officers to DIG rank is expected to strengthen the senior leadership structure of the Himachal Pradesh Police. Officers promoted to DIG level play a crucial role in policy implementation, supervision of districts and ranges, and strategic law enforcement planning across the state.
Further postings and role allocations for the promoted DIG-rank officers are expected to be announced separately by the state government.
Read also: Himachal Govt Promotes 5 IPS Officers, Including Satinder Pal Singh & N Venugopal, to DGP Rank
