LTC Air Travel Relaxation for Central Government Employees: Latest Updates and Guidelines

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, has extended its Leave Travel Concession (LTC) air travel benefits for Central Government employees. This important scheme, initially set to expire in September 2024, will now remain active until September 2026. This blog will dive deep into the various facets of this extension, the associated terms and conditions, and what government employees need to know about availing LTC for air travel.

Introduction to the LTC Scheme

The Leave Travel Concession (LTC) is a benefit granted to Central Government employees, allowing them to take leave and travel either domestically or internationally, with costs borne by the government up to a certain extent. Under the Central Civil Services (LTC) Rules, 1988, LTC covers travel costs for employees and their families. The government periodically updates the rules and guidelines for LTC to ensure they remain relevant and beneficial.

Key Highlights of the Latest LTC Air Travel Relaxation Extension

In a recent update dated 17th September 2024, the government extended the LTC air travel relaxation for another two years, up to 25th September 2026. This extension is specifically for travel to designated regions, including:

• North East Region (NER)
• Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)
• Union Territory of Ladakh
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&N)

The primary aim of this initiative is to encourage tourism to these remote and underdeveloped areas, promoting economic development and accessibility.

Important Terms and Conditions for LTC Air Travel

The relaxation for air travel comes with certain terms and conditions that all government employees must adhere to. These include:

1. Eligibility Criteria

• All eligible government servants can avail of LTC for visiting NER, J&K, Ladakh, and A&N by converting one Home Town LTC in a four-year block period.
• Fresh recruits are granted additional benefits, allowing them to convert one Home Town LTC and an additional LTC for J&K or Ladakh within the same four-year block.
• Employees whose Home Town and Headquarters are the same are not eligible to convert their Home Town LTC under this scheme.

2. Air Travel Entitlement

• Government servants entitled to travel by air can do so from their headquarters in their entitled class via any airline, provided it adheres to the guidelines set forth in earlier Office Memorandums (OM).
• Employees not entitled to air travel can still fly in Economy class, but specific guidelines apply. For instance, such employees can only fly between designated cities such as Kolkata/Guwahati to NER, Delhi/Amritsar to J&K/Ladakh, or Chennai/Visakhapatnam to Port Blair.

3. LTC for Anywhere in India

• The LTC air travel relaxation is applicable whether the employee uses it for Anywhere in India LTC or converts it from the Home Town LTC. This ensures broader flexibility for employees planning their vacations.

4. Travel Booking and Reimbursement

• Employees are required to book their tickets through authorized travel agents like M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company, Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT), and IRCTC. Failure to do so may result in the disallowance of claims.
• For those employees not entitled to air travel, the government will reimburse the actual airfare or the entitled rail/bus fare, whichever is lower.

Additional Guidelines for LTC Air Travel

Travel by Air for Non-Entitled Employees

Employees who are not typically entitled to air travel under their regular LTC privileges may still travel by air under the Special Dispensation Scheme. This scheme offers significant flexibility but comes with its own set of rules:

• Non-entitled employees can travel from their headquarters to any of the designated locations but must book economy-class flights.
• Employees must also retain web page printouts showing the airfare and flight details to ensure accurate reimbursement of travel costs.

Booking Procedures

The government mandates that all air tickets must be booked through three authorized travel agencies to qualify for reimbursement under LTC. These agencies include:

1. M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company
2. Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT)
3. IRCTC

Booking outside these agencies can lead to complications in the reimbursement process. However, exceptions are made if the tickets are booked under unavoidable circumstances, subject to approval by competent authorities.

Advance Payments and Claims

For employees entitled to air travel, advance payments for LTC may be obtained. The amount of advance will be calculated based on the rail/bus fare applicable from their headquarters to specific locations like Kolkata, Delhi, or Guwahati, plus the airfare for the final leg of the journey. Any difference between the advance and the actual airfare will be adjusted at the time of claim settlement.

Employees are encouraged to book flights at least 21 days prior to travel, as it allows for cheaper tickets and lower costs to the government. Employees should also avoid unnecessary cancellations, as this can incur cancellation fees and complicate reimbursement claims.

Misuse of LTC: Precautions and Penalties

To ensure the proper utilization of LTC benefits, the government has imposed strict regulations and penalties for any misuse of the scheme:

• Random Verification of Air Tickets: Ministries and Departments are advised to randomly verify air tickets to check for discrepancies between the actual cost of travel and the cost claimed by employees.
• Any misuse of the LTC scheme will be met with appropriate action under government rules, which may include financial penalties or disciplinary actions.

Conclusion

The extension of LTC air travel relaxation for Central Government employees until 2026 offers exciting opportunities for both employees and the targeted regions of NER, J&K, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar. By following the guidelines and utilizing authorized travel agents, government employees can explore these beautiful parts of India while enjoying the convenience and financial benefits provided under the LTC scheme.

By adhering to the policies and maintaining transparency in claims, employees can ensure a smooth process in availing of these benefits, while also avoiding penalties. With this extension, the government continues its initiative to promote travel to remote regions, thereby contributing to the economic growth and development of these areas.

Click here for the DoPT OM