Leave Travel Concession (LTC): A Guide for Government Employees

Leave Travel Concession Rules: A Guide for Government Employees

What is Leave Travel Concession (LTC)?

Leave Travel Concession (LTC) is a special benefit granted to government employees, allowing them to travel with their families at a subsidized rate. This concession is designed to provide government servants the opportunity to travel either to their hometown or any other place in India, subject to certain conditions. LTC helps employees enjoy some relaxation time while maintaining financial support for travel expenses.

Eligibility for Leave Travel Concession

To be eligible for LTC, certain criteria must be met:

1. Service Requirement: All government servants who have completed one year of continuous service are eligible to avail of LTC.
2. Spouse Employment: If an employee’s spouse works with Indian Railways or a National Airline, they are not eligible for the concession.
3. Suspension Conditions: Employees under suspension can only avail of LTC for their family members.

General Conditions for Leave Travel Concession

There are specific guidelines around how and when LTC can be used:

1. Separate Utilization: You can use the LTC concession separately for yourself and your family members, even in different calendar years within the same block.
2. Group Travel: Family members can travel in groups, but each group’s return journey must be completed within six months from the start of the outward journey.
3. Leave Requirement: LTC can be availed during any leave (casual, special casual, or study leave). However, it cannot be used solely during declared holidays.
4. Combining with Transfers/Tours: LTC can be combined with official transfers or tours.
5. Carry Forward: Unused LTC can be carried forward to the first year of the next block in certain situations.

Understanding Family Under Leave Travel Concession

The term “family” for LTC purposes includes:

1. Spouse: Your husband or wife.
2. Dependent Children: Up to two surviving children who are wholly dependent on you.
3. Dependent Parents: Parents or step-parents who rely entirely on you, regardless of whether they live with you.
4. Divorced or Abandoned Daughters: Daughters who are divorced, abandoned, or separated and depend on you.
5. Unmarried Siblings: Minor unmarried brothers or unmarried sisters/daughters who are widowed or abandoned and depend on you.

Special Entitlements for Fresh Recruits

For those new to government service, there are different entitlements:

1. Fresh recruits can avail of LTC for their home town with their families on three occasions within the first four years of service. On the fourth occasion, they can travel anywhere in India.
2. New recruits cannot avail of LTC for their home town if their home town and headquarters are the same.

LTC for Home Town vs. Anywhere in India

1. Home Town LTC: Government servants can avail of LTC to their declared home town. Once a home town is declared, it cannot be changed unless authorized by the Head of the Department.
2. Travel to Any Place in India: Government employees can travel to any place in India, but there are restrictions. They can travel to their home town for themselves each year, but not to another place in India in the same year.

Leave Travel Concession and Leave

LTC can be availed when you are on leave, but there are conditions:

1. Vacation & Holidays: LTC is not allowed during holidays alone. A minimum of one day of leave is required.
2. Suspension: If you are suspended, you cannot avail of LTC. However, your family members can still use the benefit.

LTC Advance

Government employees can draw up to 90% of their expected LTC reimbursement as an advance. The following rules apply:

1. Advance Drawn: Once you take an advance, you must submit the required tickets within 10 days.
2. Submission of Claims: Claims for reimbursement must be submitted within one month if an advance was taken, or within three months if no advance was taken.

Encashment of Leave During LTC

Government servants can also avail of leave encashment during LTC under specific conditions:

1. Leave Encashment Limit: You can encash up to 10 days of earned leave for a single LTC trip.
2. Leave Balance: You must maintain at least 30 days of leave after taking leave for LTC.

Fraudulent LTC Claims

Fraudulent claims are taken seriously. If a government servant makes a fraudulent claim, disciplinary action will be initiated. This may involve withholding claims or even forfeiting future LTC entitlements. However, if found innocent, the withheld claims will be paid, and further LTC sets will be allowed in future blocks.

Final Thoughts

LTC is a valuable benefit for government employees, offering a chance to travel without the financial burden. However, understanding the rules and guidelines is crucial to making the most of this concession. Whether you’re planning a trip to your hometown or exploring other destinations in India, LTC can help reduce travel costs and make your journey smoother.

Make sure you stay updated with your service rules, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your controlling authority if you have any questions regarding your LTC entitlements. Safe travels!

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