Central Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 1988 -Relaxation to travel by air to visit North East Region, Jammu & Kashmir and Andaman & Nicobar

DoPT Orders 2019

Central Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 1988 -Relaxation to travel by air to visit North East Region, Jammu & Kashmir and Andaman & Nicobar - clarification reg

No. 31011/3/2018-Estt. (A-IV)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, public Grievances and Pensions
Department of personnel and Training
Establishment A-IV Desk

North Block, New Delhi-110001
Dated: June 20,2019

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Central Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 1988 -Relaxation to travel by air to visit North East Region, Jammu & Kashmir and Andaman & Nicobar - clarification reg

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even no. dated 20.09.2018 regarding the relaxation to travel by air on LTC to visit North-East Region (NER), Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&N) and to say that as per para 2(v) of the aforesaid O.M., Government employees non-entitled to travel by air are allowed air travel in Economy class subject to maximum fare limit of LTC-80 fare in the following sectors:

a) Between Kolkata/ Guwahati and any place in NER.
b) Between Kolkata/ Chennai/ Visakhapatnam and Port Brair.
c) Between Delhi/ Amritsar and any place in J&K.

Journey for these non-entitled.employees from their Headquarters up to Kolkata/ Guwahati/ Chennai/ Visakhapatnam/ Delhi/ Amritsar is to be undertaken as per their entitlement.

2. In this regard, several references / RTI applications are received in this Department seeking clarification regarding settlement of LTC claims where a non-entitled Government employee directly travels by air from his Headquarters to the destination in North-East Region (NER), Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&N) as opposed to their entitlement.

3. The matter has been examined in this- Department in consultation with Department of Expenditure. It has been decided that cases of direct air travel by a non-entitled Government on LTC from his Headquarters !o special dispensation the place oi visit in NER/ J&K / A&N under the special dispensation scheme of travel by air as under:

"Entitled class rail fare from the.Headquarters/ place of posting to the nearest relevant railhead (ie. Kolkata/ Guwahati/ Delhi/ Amritsar/ Chennai/ Visakhapatnam) based on the place of visit (in NER / J&K/ A&N) + LTC-80 Economy class air fare from the same railhead to the place of visit in NER / J&K / A&N ); or the actual air fare from the Headquarters to the place of visit, whichever is less."

4. In their application to the staff serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, this order issues after consultation with Comptroller & Auditor General of India.

(Surya Narayan Jha)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

To
The Secretaries
All Ministries/ Departments of the Government of India.
(As per the standard list)

Source: DoPT

Procedure for booking of air-tickets on LTC- Clarification reg – Dopt issued on 23.9.2015

Clarification for booking of air-tickets on LTC – Dopt issued on 23.9.2015

G.I., Dept. of Per. & Trg., O.M.No.31011/5/2014-Estt (A.IV), dated 23.9.2015

Subject:- Procedure for booking of air-tickets on LTC- Clarification reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. No.31011/4/2014-Estt.(A-IV) dated 19th June, 2014 which lays down that the Government employees are required to book the air tickets directly from the airlines (Booking counters, website of airlines) or by utilizing the service of Authorized Travel Agents viz. ‘M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company’, ‘M/s Ashok Travels & Tours’ and ‘IRCTC’ (to the extent IRCTC is authorized as per DoPT O.M. No. 31011/6/2002-Est(A) dated 02.12.2009) while undertaking LTC journey(s). Vide DoPT’s O.M. 31011/5/2014-Estt.(AIV) dated 24.09.2014, the web-portal of these authorized travel agents will also be treated as an acceptable mode for purchase of air tickets on LTC subject to the conditions stated vide Department of Expenditure’s O.M. No. 19024/1/2012-E-IV dated 5thSeptember, 2014.

2. It has been observed that various Ministries/Departments continue to send references to DoPT seeking relaxation regarding the booking of air tickets for the purpose of LTC from the travel agents not authorised by the aforesaid O.M.. In most of the cases, the common reason stated by the LTC beneficiaries is that they were not aware of the guidelines and inadvertently booked the tickets from other travel agents.

3. All the Ministries/ Departments are advised to ensure a wide circulation of the guidelines as stated in para 1 of this O.M.. This point may also be

emphasized by the Administration whenever any advance is sought or intention to avail LTC is conveyed by the Government servant.

Authority: www.persmin.gov.in

Click to view the order

MOD invites LTC Claim Details for one time relaxation – BPMS

MOD invites LTC Claim Details for one time relaxation – BPMS

One Time Relaxation for LTC claim

(AN ALL INDIA FEDERATION OF DEFENCE WORKERS)
(AN INDUSTRIAL UNIT OF B.M.S.)
(RECOGNISED BY MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, GOVT. OF INDIA)
CENTRAL OFFICE: 2-A, NAVEEN MARKET, KANPUR – 208001, PH & FAX : (0512) 2332222
MOBILE: 09415733686, 09235729390, 09335621629, WEB : www.bpms.org.in

REF: BPMS / CIR / LTC / 01

Dated: 27.07.2015

To,
The Office Bearers / CEC Members,
President / Secretary of the Unions
Affiliated to BPMS

Subject: One Time Relaxation for LTC claim
 

Dear brothers & sisters,
 

Namaskar
You may be aware of that Shri S N Batwe, Patron/BPMS highlighted some of the following issues related to LTC, thereupon vide letter No. BPMS / DoP&T/ LTC / 50 (7/2/R), Dated 10.11.2014 this federation requested the DoP&T as well as MOD to consider the issues sympathetically :-

(i) Earlier { DoP&T F.No. 31011/412007-Estt.(A), dated 02.05.2008} the Group ‘B’ Central Government employees were entitled to travel by Air from their place of posting or nearest airport but now {vide DoP&T O.M. No. 31011/ 3/ 2014-Estt.(A-IV), dated 26.09.2014} only eligible Government servants may travel from their place of posting or nearest airport, hence necessary clarification was required so that the Group ‘B’ employees may be entitled to travel by Air from their place of posting or nearest airport;

(ii) Vide DoP&T F.No. 31011/4/2007-Estt (A), Dated 30.04.2012 the Air travel relaxation under LTC for NER was extended for 02 yrs from 01.05.2012, i.e., applicable upto 01.05.2014 and vide DoP&T F. No. 31011/2/2003-Estt.A-IV, dated 15.06.2012 the Air travel relaxation under LTC for J&K was extended for 02 yrs from 18.06.2012, i.e., applicable upto 18.06.2014 whereas this order grants the relaxation for air travel w.e.f. 26.09.2014. There were some of the employees who have travelled by Air under LTC in the intervening period, i.e., 01.05.2014 / 18.06.2014 and 26.09.2014 in anticipation of extension of such relaxation as per prevailing practice. To mitigate the financial hardships of such employees, the DoP&T O.M. No. 31011/ 3/ 2014-Estt.(A-IV), dated 26.09.2014 should have retrospective effect, i.e., 01.05.2014.

(iii) Some of the defence civilian employees while availing LTC by Air to destinations like A&N Islands, J&K and NER, did not follow the instructions regarding purchase of their air tickets only from the booking counters/websites of Air India or from the Authorized Travel Agents [M/s Balmer Lawrie & Co, M/s Ashok Travels & Tours and IRCTC] and their LTC claims are not being allowed. Hence, one time relaxation is required to settle these cases.

Now, Min of Defence is considering the case (iii) and invited the details from concerned authorities. Hence, all are requested to forward their details through proper channel in given format only.

Thanking you.

Sincerely yours
sd/-
(MUKESH SINGH)
Secretary/BPMS & Member, JCM-II Level Council (MOD)

Government of India
Ministry of Defence
D(Civ-I)

Subject : Proposal for seeking one time relaxation in respect of LTC 80 claims of Defence Civilian Employees

Defence Civilian Employees’ Federations are pursuing the above issue in the meetings of the JCM Departmental Council wherein they have informed that many Defence civilian employees while availing LTC by Air to destinations like A&N Islands, J&K and NER, did not follow the instructions regarding purchase of these air tickets only from the booking counters/websites of Air India or from the Authorized Travel Agents [M/s Balmer Lawrie & Co, M/s Ashok Travels & Tours and IRCTC]. A number of employees being first time travellers by air, did not observe these instructions due to ignorance. As a result, there administrative authorities have rejected their claims under LTC 80 submitted by them after performing the journey. To resolve this issue, the employees Federations have approached this Ministry and have requested to take up the matter to DoP&T with recommendation that:

a) Claims of Group C and B employees who are otherwise not entitled for Air Travel, in case they have availed LTC 80 by purchasing Air tickets from other than the authorized agents may be considered as a one time measure and a relaxation may be granted to pass their LTC claims as a special case;

b) For such employees who have purchased Air Tickets prior to 26 Sep 2014 from other than authorized agents to travel to A&N Islands, in their case, the LTC claim may be restricted to their entitled class in Steamer/Ship

2. The DoP&T have communicated vide their letter No.31011/6/2015-Estt.A IV dated 1st July addressed to JCM, National Council, that it would not be feasible to relax the LTC rules as a one-time measure. However, cases of individual hardship as recommended by Ministries/ Departments would be considered on a case to case basis.

3. Accordingly, it is proposed to take up the matter with the DoP&T for a decision on the LTC claims submitted by the defence civilian employees where the air tickets have not been purchased by these employees in accordance with the Government instructions. It is requested that the details of such cases may please be furnished in the enclosed proforma latest by 17 Aug 2015, along with views/comments, so that a consolidated proposal could be sent to the DoP&T for consideration of one time relaxation.

Encl : Proforma

Sd/-
Gurdeep Singh)
Under Secretary (Civ)

Click to view the proforma

Source : BPMS

LTC to Foreign Countries : Ministry of Civil Aviation nods

LTC to Foreign Countries : Ministry of Civil Aviation nods

The civil aviation ministry has given its nod to a proposal to provide leave travel concession for government employees to Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka to boost tourism in the region.

A senior official in the ministry confirming the development said, “The move is intended to boost tourism within SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries. Pakistan and Bangladesh has been left out for now because of security issues.”

The approval from the ministry of civil aviation was required so that the LTC can be availed of on national carrier Air India while flying to these countries.

Interestingly, latest available official data shows that there has been a decline in foreign tourist arrivals from Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka in 2013.

SriLanka does feature among the top five countries accounting for 3.77 per cent of foreign tourist arrivals in India. However, tourist arrivals from Sri Lanka to India dropped by 11 per cent in 2013.

Similarly, arrivals from Nepal declined by 9 per cent, Bhutan by 1 per cent. Foreign tourist arrivals from Maldives went down by 10 per cent in the same period.

Read more : Financial Express

Leave Travel Concession for Central Government employees is likely to be extended to cover trips to foreign countries

Central Government Employees’ LTC Likely to Cover Foreign Countries

Leave Travel Concession for Central Government employees is likely to be extended to cover trips to foreign countries too. Although these are unconfirmed reports, we are sharing the news reports that have appeared in leading English newspapers recently.

Traveling abroad is a dream for most Indian families. The Centre’s attempts to fulfill this dream are worth appreciating. Although initially the scheme covers only four countries (Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka), traveling to a foreign country, with the expenses paid by the Government, is no small accomplishment. Traveling abroad with the entire family is bound to elevate the social status of the employee among his friends and relatives.

Newspapers claim that the decision was influenced by a desire to boost tourism to neighbouring countries after Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the SAARC meeting.

Air travel concession under LTC Scheme to the North East Region was launched by the Centre in 2008 in order to boost tourism to those states. The concession was then extended to cover Jammu and Kashmir.

Now, the concession also covers Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The DoPT issued orders on 26.9.2014 that the relaxation to travel by air to NER, J&K and A&N with effect from September 2014.

In the past, All India LTC was granted once every four years to Central Government employees, to travel by train to a selected place and reimburse the ticket expenses. The fact that, from those humble beginnings, it has come this far, is a welcome development.

From general compartment-travels, the concession was upgraded to the air-conditioned class. Then, it was given for air travels. Now, the scheme is all set to cover trips to foreign countries.

Transport Allowance and Travelling Allowance Rules at a glance

Transport Allowance and Travelling Allowance Rules at a glance

At first glance, both transport allowance and traveling allowance might look the same. But, the two are very different for Central Government employees. Recent spate of orders issued by the DOPT and Finance Ministry on TRAVELLING ALLOWANCE was the inspiration behind this write-up.

In its order last week, the DOPT said that senior officers who have to travel by air for official purposes may not have to submit the boarding passes while settlement of TA claims. They will have to henceforth submit the passes only when required. The very next day, the Finance Ministry issued an order that made it mandatory for senior officials to submit boarding passes alongwith TA bills for air journey performed on Government account.

The concept of Transport Allowance was introduced by the 5th CPC to defray the cost of commuting between residence and office. The 6th CPC while recommending CCA to be subsumed in Transport Allowance. Transport Allowance is given to the Central Government employees for their everyday commute to and from the workplace. Based on their Grade Pay or Band Pay, this could be anything between Rs. 400 to Rs. 3200 per month. It also depends on the population of the city or town where the office is located. Transport allowance is twice the normal amount for physically challenged employees.

Travelling allowance is given to employees who have to travel out of station for official work. There are a number of rules, guidelines and restrictions that control travelling allowance. DOPT and the Ministry of Finance issues amendment orders related to travelling allowances from time to time.

Traveling allowance differs based on the employee’s grade pay. The ‘Grade Pay’ for determing the TA/DA entitlement is as indicated in Central Civil Service(RP)Rules 2008. Depending on the grade pay, the employee has to opt for the appropriate class of accommodation while travelling via bus, train, ship or by aeroplane. The employee can refund only that amount that he is entitlement for. The Finance Ministry order published on 23.9.2008, OM explained the details of the Travelling allowance and entitlements for Government officials as per title given below…

Government officials on Tour : Travelling Allowance and Entitlements, Entitlement for journeys on tour and travel entitlements within the country, International Travel Entitlement, Mileage allowance for journeys by road, Daily Allowance, Travelling allowance on Transfer, Transfer Grant and Packing Allowance, Transportation of Personal Effects, Transportation of Conveyance, Travelling allowance Entitlement of Retiring employees, Lumpsum Transfer Grant and Packing Allowance

Daily Allowance : If the official tour on is of longer duration, then the employee is paid Daily Allowance to meet his boarding and lodging expenses. This too depends on the Grade pay of the employee. This is what is known as TA/DA. While seeking the TA/DA claims, the employee has to present receipts and bills.

In this regard, the notification, that senior officials are not required to submit the boarding passes while seeking settlement of TA claims of their air travel expenses, was confusing.

The order is not applicable to Group ‘C’ employees. But some have misunderstood the order and have assumed that it was for the air travel facility that is available as part of the Leave Travel Concession.

Air Travel Extended for further 2 Years on LTC to visit J&K, NER and A&N effective from 26.9.2014

Dopt issued orders for Central Government employees to permit to visit to restricted places with their family members by air on LTC Scheme…

Air Travel Extended for further 2 Years on LTC to visit J&K, NER and A&N effective from 26.9.2014

No. 31011/3/2014-Estt.(A-IV)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training

North Block, New Delhi-110 001
Dated: 26th September, 2014

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Central Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 1988 — Relaxation to travel by air to visit NER and A&N.

The undersigned is directed to say that in relaxation to CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988, it has been decided by the Government to permit Government servants to travel by air to North East Region (NER) , Jammu and Kashmir and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&N) as per the following scheme

(i) All eligible Government servants may avail LTC to visit any place in NER/ A&N against the conversion of one block of their Home Town LTC.
Fresh Recruits are also eligible for this benefit against conversion of one of the three Home Towns in a block of four years applicable to them.

(ii) Government servants entitled to travel by air can avail this LTC from their Headquarters in Economy class.

(iii) Government servants not entitled to travel by air may be permitted to travel by air in Economy class in the following sectors:

a. Between Kolkata/ Guwahati and any place in NER
b. Between Kolkata/ Chennai/ Bhubaneswar and Port Blair.
c. Between Delhi / Amritsar and any place in J&K

Journey for these non-entitled employees from their Headquarters up to Kolkata/ Guwahati/ Chennai/ Bhubaneswar / Delhi / Amritsar will have to be undertaken as per their entitlement.
(iv) Air travel is to be performed by Air India in Economy Class only and at LTC-80 fare or less.

(v) Air travel by non-entitled officers on the sectors mentioned in item (iii) above may be permitted while availing LTC to any place in India (4 year Block) also.

(vi) Air Tickets to be purchased directly from the airlines (Booking counters, website of airlines) or by utilizing the service of Authorized Travel Agents viz. ‘M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company’, ‘M/s Ashok Travels & Tours’ and ‘IRCTC’ (to the extent IRCTC is authorized as per DoPT’s O.M. No. 31011/6/2002-Estt.(A) dated 02.12.2009) while undertaking LTC journey. Booking of tickets through other agencies is not permitted.

2. These orders shall be in operation for a period of two years from the date of issue of this O.M.

3. All the Ministries/ Departments are advised to bring it to the notice of all their employees that any misuse of LTC will be viewed seriously and the employees will be liable for appropriate action under the rules. In order to keep a check on any kind of misuse of LTC, Ministries/ Departments are advised to randomly get some of the air tickets submitted by the officials verified from the Airlines concerned with regard to the actual cost of air travel vis-a-vis the cost indicated on the air tickets submitted by the officials.

4. In their application to the staff serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

sd/-
(B. Bandyopadhyay)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Source: www.persmin.nic.in
[http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/31011_3_2014-Estt.A-IV-26092014.pdf]