LTC rules changed: New LTC rules for central government employees: Everything you need to know about the changes
New Reimbursement Guidelines
According to an ET report, in a memorandum dated December 21, the ministry said that the ministry or department, along with financial advisors and subordinate or attached offices, with the approval from the head of the department (at least at the level of joint secretary). Reimbursement claims for LTC journeys can be accepted without reference to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), following these specified timelines:
- If no advance has been taken you have up to six months to claim reimbursement.
- If an advance has been taken, you have up to three months to repay the entire advance amount. It is important to repay the total amount in lump sum, and interest will be charged on the entire advance amount from the date of withdrawal till the date of repayment.
Applicability of Terms
These conditions apply when a Central Government employee cannot submit a claim within the time limit specified as per Rules 14 and 15 of the CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988. The concerned Ministries/Departments/Attached Offices/Subordinate Offices should satisfy themselves that the employee is incapacitated due to circumstances beyond his control.
Supersedes previous guidelines
The latest Office Memorandum supersedes the previous one, DoPT’s OM No. 31011/05/2007-Estt.(A) dated 27.09.2007. These instructions are approved by the Department of Expenditure and come into effect from the date of issue of the Office Memorandum.
Instructions for processing delayed LTC claims
Ministries/Departments/Attached Offices/Subordinate Offices are requested to follow these instructions while handling delayed LTC claims. The goal is to simplify the reimbursement process.
Flight ticket booking through authorized travel agents
The office memorandum dated October 20, 2023, issued by DoPT highlights the procedure for booking flight tickets for LTC through authorized travel agents. Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL), Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT), and Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) are required to display information about the lowest fare flight and flights with only 10% fare. more than cheapest fare, This is evidence that the booked ticket adheres to the specified guidelines.
