Central Govt Employees: Updated Instructions for LTC Claiming

Key Takeaways:

1. LTC Rule Changed: Central government employees must adhere to new instructions when claiming LTC.

2. Booking through Authorized Travel Agents: Employees must book flight tickets for LTC through authorized travel agents, namely Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL), Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT), and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC).

3. Marking ‘LTC’ on Tickets: All authorized agents are required to indicate the word ‘LTC’ on tickets issued for the LTC journey.

4. Printout of Tickets: Specific guidelines have been provided for taking a printout of the ticket in cases where non-entitled employees are traveling by air under Special Dispensation Scheme.

5. Authorized Travel Agents Links: The document provides links to the three authorized travel agents for booking LTC tickets.

6. Settlement of Claims: The DoPT has addressed the issue of settlement of claims and misuse of LTC, warning that any misuse of LTC will be viewed seriously and appropriate action will be taken against defaulting employees.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has recently modified the instructions for booking air tickets in respect of Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for central government employees. The Office Memorandum dated October 20, 2023, outlines the new instructions and rules for booking air tickets through authorized travel agents and the necessary steps to be taken for reimbursement.

New Instructions for Booking Air Tickets for LTC

1. Booking through Authorized Travel Agents: When booking flight tickets for LTC, central government employees are required to use the services of three authorized travel agents: Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL), Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT), and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC). These agents are mandated to display the details of the flight with the cheapest fare and the flight(s) with fares 10% more than the cheapest fare in the desired time slot. This ensures that the booking of air tickets through these authorized travel agents serves as proof that the ticket booked by the individual government employee was of the cheapest fare as per the guidelines.

2. Marking ‘LTC’ on Tickets: All three authorized agents are required to indicate the word ‘LTC’ on tickets issued for the LTC journey. This marking serves as a validation of the purpose of the travel.

3. Printout of Ticket Details: In cases where non-entitled central government employees are required to travel by air under Special Dispensation Scheme directly from their headquarters/place of posting to specific locations, they are instructed to take a printout of the concerned webpage displaying flight and fare details for reimbursement purposes. If the flight tickets are not available in the same slot, the printout of the details of the flights available in the next slot may be retained for the purpose of settlement of claims.

4. Registration for Employees without Official Email Accounts: The authorized travel agents have been directed to allow the registration of employees who do not have official email accounts, provided their administrative office sends their details, including names, employee code numbers, private email IDs, and mobile numbers, to the travel agents for booking air tickets in respect of LTC.

Links to Authorized Travel Agents

Here are the links to the three authorized travel agents for booking LTC air tickets:

1. Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL): BLCL Booking Portal

2. Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT): ATT Booking Portal

3. Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd., IRCTC: IRCTC Booking Portal

Clarifications and Misuse of LTC

DoPT has been receiving several representations seeking clarifications on issues relating to the settlement of claims, particularly from government employees who have not retained the screenshot of the concerned webpage of the authorized travel agents during the booking of air tickets. It has advised all ministries or departments to inform the employees again that any misuse of LTC will be viewed seriously, and appropriate action will be taken against the defaulting employees.

FAQ

Q1: What are the new rules for booking flight tickets through authorized travel agents for LTC?

A1: The new rules require all three authorized travel agents to display the details of the flight with the cheapest fare and the flight(s) with the fare 10% more than the cheapest fare. Additionally, the word ‘LTC’ must be indicated on tickets issued for the LTC journey.

Q2: When do non-entitled Central Government employees need to take a printout of the ticket?

A2: Non-entitled Central Government employees need to take a printout of the concerned webpage having flight and fare details of the flight for relevant railhead in specific cases, as outlined in the modified instructions.

Q3: Where can Central Govt Employees book their LTC tickets?

A3: Central Govt Employees can book their LTC tickets through the three authorized travel agents: Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL), Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT), and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC).