As per new guidelines from the central government the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) availed by employees, will now include air tickets. The Centre in a missive sent to all central ministries and departments said that the Department of Expenditure’s circular from June regarding air travel on government duty will also be applicable for air travel for LTC.
The circular stated that air tickets to be availed under LTC shall be only bought from three Authorised Travel Agents (ATAs), which are Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited, Ashok Travels and Tours and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation.
LTC is an allowance given to employees for meeting travel expenses when the employee is on leave from work. The same is exempted from tax under the Income Tax Act.
The memorandum stated, “Government employees are to choose a flight having the Best Available Fare on their entitled travel class, which is the cheapest fare available, preferably for Non-stop flight in a given slot, mentioned below, at the time of booking.”
Employees are encouraged to book flight tickets at least 21 days prior to the intended date of travel on LTC, to avail the most competitive fares and minimise burden on the exchequer, the circular further said, adding that they should also avoid unnecessary cancellations.
