Leave Travel Concession (LTC) is a very important facility for central government employees, under which they and their families get many big benefits related to travel. However, there was often some confusion about its rules. To overcome this, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued several important clarifications in response to various questions, RTIs, and individual complaints. These changes will make it even easier to understand and avail of LTC. Let us know in detail what LTC is, who comes under its purview, and which rules have been clarified by the government now.
What is LTC, a2nd who gets its benefits
LTC (Leave Travel Concession) is a great travel facility available to government employees and their families. Under this, they can travel to their hometown or any place in India at the expense of the government.
Block Period
This facility is usually available twice in a block of four years:
Once for travel to the hometown.
Second time for travel anywhere in India.
This facility gives employees a great opportunity to unwind and spend time with family, as well as reduce the financial burden of travel.
Who is eligible
Under LTC, family includes those members who are financially dependent on the employee and are eligible as per the rules. DoPT has further clarified the definition of family. The employee’s spouse is always covered under LTC, irrespective of their income. Two unmarried children (whether step or adopted) are included in it.
Divorced or widowed daughters can also avail of LTC, provided they are dependent on the employee. Parents and unmarried siblings will be included only if they are completely dependent on the employee. Parents, second wife, grandparents, grandchildren, or children of sisters on the in-laws’ side do not fall under the definition of ‘family’.
What is the income limit
For LTC, only those members who are completely dependent on the employee financially will be considered dependent. The total monthly income (including pension) of the dependent should be less than ₹ 9,000 per month. Dearness Allowance is also added to this limit. This income condition does not apply only to the spouse. That is, there is no question of an income limit to consider the spouse as a dependent. This provision reflects the uniqueness of the husband-wife relationship.
Is it necessary to live together
To avail LTC, not all the members need to live with the employee in the same place. Husband and wife are considered a unit, so they don’t need to live together. Even if the parents and children do not live together, if they are completely dependent on the employee, they can get the benefit of LTC. This rule is a big relief for families where members live in different cities.
Travel rules and restrictions
It is important to follow some important rules and restrictions while traveling. Family members can travel at different times and to different destinations, provided it is within a block period of two years or four years. This gives family members the freedom to plan the trip as per their convenience. If the employee is suspended, he will not get the benefit of LTC. However, his family members can avail themselves of it. No refund will be given on the booking of train berths for children below five years of age. Airfare will be payable only if the employee himself is eligible for air travel.