Under the new rules, all eligible government employees can convert one ‘Home Town LTC’ during a four-year block period to visit any place within NER, A&N, J&K, or Ladakh. This provides greater flexibility for travel to these areas, which are often less accessible.
An extension of air travel relaxations has been announced for government employees visiting the Northeast Region (NER), Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), Ladakh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&N) until September 25, 2026, according to an Office Memorandum shared by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
This extension allows eligible government servants to utilize Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for air travel to these regions, providing greater accessibility amidst ongoing changes.
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Key Highlights of the Office Memorandum:
Eligibility for LTC:
Under the new rules, all eligible government employees can convert one ‘Home Town LTC’ during a four-year block period to visit any place within NER, A&N, J&K, or Ladakh. This provides greater flexibility for travel to these areas, which are often less accessible.
Conditions for Home Town LTC:
Employees whose home town is the same as their place of posting are not allowed to convert their Home Town LTC. This is to ensure that the benefits are directed towards those who genuinely need them.
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Special Provision for Fresh Recruits:
Fresh recruits in government service are also given the opportunity to convert one of their three Home Town LTCs within a four-year block to travel to NER, A&N, J&K, or Ladakh. Additionally, they are entitled to one extra conversion specifically for travel to J&K or Ladakh.
Air Travel Guidelines:
Government employees who are entitled to air travel can book flights from their headquarters in their entitled class. Non-entitled employees are permitted to travel by air in Economy class on specific routes, including:
Between Kolkata/Guwahati and any location in NER
Between Kolkata/Chennai/Visakhapatnam and Port Blair
Between Delhi/Amritsar and any location in J&K/Ladakh
Booking Regulations:
Employees are required to follow specific guidelines for booking air tickets, including using authorized travel agents and adhering to regulations concerning best available fares, booking times, and reimbursements.
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Monitoring Misuse:
The DoPT has emphasized the importance of preventing misuse of LTC benefits. Ministries and departments are encouraged to conduct random checks on air tickets submitted by employees to verify actual travel costs against the amounts claimed.
Applicability to Audit Departments:
These orders are also applicable to personnel in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, ensuring compliance under Article 148(5) of the Constitution, with consultations from the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.
This extension aims to facilitate travel for government employees to some of India’s most scenic but less accessible regions, while also ensuring that the LTC benefits are used appropriately and efficiently. By providing more opportunities for air travel, the government hopes to support its employees in their duties and personal commitments.
