Guidelines on Air Travel on LTC - Clarifications regard to purchase of Air Tickets...

No. 19024/1/2009-E.IV
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
***

New Delhi, dated the 16^th September, 2010

Office Memorandum

Subject: Guidelines on Air Travel on Tours / LTC.

This Department is receiving repeated references seeking clarifications with regard to purchase of Air tickets through authorized agents and relaxation for travel by Airlines other than Indian Airlines. The following guidelines may be noted for compliance:

1. On Official Tours :

(i) For travel by Airlines other than Air India because of operational or other reasons or on account of non-availability of Air India flights, individual cases for relaxation to be referred to M/o Civil Aviation, as stated in this Ministry's OM No. 19024/1/2009-E.IV dated 13.07.09.

(ii) Air Tickets may be purchased directly from Airlines (at Booking counters/Website of Airlines) or by utilizing the services of Authorized Travel Agents viz. M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company, M/s Ashok Travels & Tours.

2. LTC :

(i) Travel by Air India only.

(ii) In Economy class only, irrespective of entitlement.

(iii) LTC-80 ticket of Air India only to be purchased.

(iv) Air Tickets may be purchased directly from Airlines (at Booking counters / Website of Airlines) or by utilizing the services of Authorized Travel Agents viz. M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company, M/s Ashok Travels & Tours and IRCTC (to the extent IRCTC is authorized as per DoP&T OM No. 31011/6/2002-Estt.(A) dt. 02.12.09).

3. LTC for J&K :

(i) Relaxation to travel by Private Airlines to visit J&K while availing LTC is available to all the categories of Govt. employees, including those entitled to travel by Air [DoPT OMs No. 31011/2/2003-Esst.(A-IV) dated 18.06.10 and 05.08.10 refer].

(ii) For purchase of Air tickets, however, the procedure as given under para 2 (iv) above should be followed.

4. All Ministries/Departments of Govt. of India are requested to strictly adhere to these instructions.

Sd/-
(Karan Singh)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

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Permission to avail of mileage points earned by Government servants on tickets purchased for official tour/visits

N0.11013/7/2008-Estt. (A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)
*****

North Block,
New Delhi,
Dated the 9^th August, 2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 – Permission to avail of mileage points earned by Government servants on tickets purchased for official tour/visits and acceptance of ‘Free Companion Ticket’ introduced from time to time by various Airlines, by Government servants.

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The undersigned is directed to refer to Department of Personnel and Training O.M. No. 11013/7/2008-Estt. (A) dated 03.06.2008 on the subject mentioned above (copy enclosed) and to say that references are being received regarding the free companion/spouse ticket offers in the case of domestic travel extended by the airlines on payment of full fare.

2. In this context, Department of Expenditure have clarified as follows : -

(a) In their OM F.No. 7(1)/E.Coord/2008 dated 01.10.2008 instructions have been issued regarding :-

(i) Buying the cheapest fare in Economy/Business Class travel, preferably by getting information through the internet. (ii) Using Corporate Coupons for EconomylBusiness Class travel through proper planning and coordination.

(b) Instructions for travel on Government account only by Air India were thereafter issued on 13.07.2009. Subsequently, vide OM dated 01.10.2009, all the Ministries/Departments were notified about the ackages/concessions offered by Air lndia for Government of India Officials. All the above instructions were intended to effect economy in the matter of expenditure on air travel by Government of India officials, while on tours.

(c) In regard to whether the free companion ticket offered by Air India while on domestic official tour can be availed of, it may be noted that free companion tickets are provided by the Air lines for domestic travel against full fare tickets only. Purchase of full fare tickets defeats the purpose of instructions issued.

3. It is, therefore, clarified that Government of India officials are not expected to purchase full fare Air tickets but instead avail of - (a) the coupon supersaver booklets being offered by Air lndia for Government of India officials as notified vide the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) OM dated 1^st October, 2009; (b) Supersaver scheme for Business class; or (c) go in for the cheapest Air India fare. In the circumstances, free companion/spouse ticket offers in the case of domestic travel, which are made on payment of full fare, cannot be availed of.

4. Accordingly, all Ministries/Departments are advised to ensure compliance of the instructions by all Government servants in this regard.

(P.PRABHAKARAN)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

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Regulation of journeys by private airlines while availing Leave Travel Concession to Jammu & Kashmir

No.31011/2/2003-Estt.(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
******

Dated the 5^thAugust, 2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:    Regulation of journeys by private airlines while availing Leave Travel Concession to Jammu & Kashmir.

            After issue of DOPT O.M. No.31011/2/2003-estt.(A) dated 18/6/2010 regarding relaxation for travel by air to visit J&K, clarifications have been sought by Government servants/various Ministries/Departments from time to time. The doubts raised by various authorities have now been clarified by Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) as under:-

Point raised	Clarification

1	Whether entitled officers can travel by Private airlines to J&K ?	Yes. Travel by private airlines is available to all the categories of Government employees including those entitled in travel by Air.
2	Whether the restriction of LTC 80 fare of Air India will apply in these cases ?	LTC 80 fare would apply to all cases including those entitled to travel by air irrespective of their airlines.

5.           This issues in consultation with Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) vide their I.D. No.821838/SO-E.IV/2010 dated 3^rd August, 2010.

s/d
(P.Prabhakaran)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

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LTC 80 Scheme : Air ticker charges paid on the date of booking - Fin.Min. Order

F.No. 19046/1/2008-E.IV
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Expenditure
E-IV Branch
*********

New Delhi, the 15^thJuly, 2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:      Clarification regarding re-imbursement of LTC-80 fare.


      The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM No.7(1)/E.Coord/2008 dated 4-12-2008 wherein Air India’s LTC 80 scheme was introduced from 1^st December, 2008, for LTC travelers entitled to travel by Air. A number of references from different Government Departments/offices have been received in this Ministry seeking clarification whether the prevailing fare on the date of booking of LTC 80 tickets is to be reimbursed or claim is to be restricted to Air India’s LTC 80 fare as on 1 December, 2008.

2.      The matter has been considered in this Ministry and it is clarified that the fare paid on the date of booking of ticket under LTC 80 scheme of Air India may be reimbursed.

(Karan Singh)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Government to permit Government employees to travel by air to J&K

CSS(LTC) Rules Relaxed to Allow Travel by Air to J&K

CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988 have been relaxed for travel by air to visit Jammu & Kashmir. Accordingly, it has been decided by the Government to permit Government employees to travel by air to J&K as per the following scheme:-

(i) All officers/employees of Government of India will be allowed to avail LTC to visit J&K against conversion of one block of their Home Town LTC.

(ii) Officers/employees of Government of India entitled to travel by air can avail this LTC in their entitled class.

(iii) All other employees of Government of India can travel by air in economy class from Delhi and Amritsar to any place in J&K by any airlines subject to their entitlement being limited to LTC-80 fares of Air India. Journey from their place of posting up to Delhil/Amritsar will have to be undertaken as per their entitlement.

(iv) Restriction of air travel only by Air India on LTC to other places shall continue to remain in force.

(v) This scheme shall be effective from the date of issuance.

These orders shall be in operation for a period of two years from the date of notification in this regard, which was issued recently.

Relaxation for travel by air to visit Jammu & Kashmir

NO. 31011/2/2003-Estt. (A-IV)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)

New Delhi, dated the 18th June, 2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject.:  CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988 – Relaxation for travel by air to visit J&K

    The undersigned is directed to say that in relaxation of CCS(LTC) Rules. 1988, it has been decided by the Government to permit Government employees to travel by air to J&K as per the following scheme:-

    (i)     All officers/employees of Government of India will be allowed to avail LTC to visit J&K against conversion of one block of their Home Town LTC.

    (ii)     Officers/employees of Government of India entitled to travel by air can avail this LTC in their entitled class.

    (iii)     All other employees of Government of India can travel by air in economy class from Delhi and Amritsar to any place in J&K by any airlines subject to their entitlement being limited to LTC-80 fares of Air India. Journey from their place of posting up to Delhi/Amritsar will have to be undertaken as per their entitlement.

    (iv)     Restriction of air travel only by Air India on LTC to other places shall continue to remain in force.

    (v)     This scheme shall be effective from the date of issuance.

2.     These orders shall be in operation for a period of two years from the date of issue of this O.M.

3.     In their application to the staff serving in the indian audit and Accounts Department, these orders issue on consultation with comptroller and Auditor General of India.

s/d
Smt.Rajbala singh
Under secretary to the Govt.of India

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Government gives extended time to visit NER areas on Leave Travel Concession by Air...

  

F.No. 31011/4/2007-Estt.(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)

  

New Delhi, dated 20th April, 2010

  

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

  

Subject: CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988 – Relaxation for travel by air to visit NER.

  

              The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department O.M. of even No.dated 2.5.2008 on the subject mentioned above and to say that the relaxation for travel by air to visit North Eastern Region under CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988 is extended for further two years beyond 1st May. 2010

Smt.Raj Bala Singh
Under SecretarY to the Government of India

---

DOPT Order(dated 2 May, 2008) indicates...

*Group 'A' and 'B' Officers can travel to NER areas from their nearest posting area...

*Group 'C' and 'D' Employees can travel to NER areas only from Guwahati or Kolkata...

*Conversion of one block of Home Town LTC into LTC for destinations in NER.

  

F.No. 31011/412007-Estt.(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel and Training)

  

New Delhi, dated,2 May, 2008

  

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

  

Subject: CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988 - Relaxation for travel by air to visit NER.

  

               The undersigned is directed to say that in relaxation of CCS (LTC) Rules,1988, the Government have decided to permit Government servants to travel by air to North Eastern Region on LTC as follows:-

(i) Group A and Group B Central Government employees will be entitled to travel by Air from their place of posting or nearest airport to a city in the NER or nearest airport ..

(ii) Other categories of employees will be entitled to travel by air to a city in the NER from Guwahati or Kolkata.

(iii) All Central Government employees will be allowed conversion of one block of Home Town LTC into LTC for destinations in NER.

  

              2. These orders shall be in operation for a period of two years from the date ofissue of this O.M.

  

              3. Data regarding number of Government employees availing LTC to NER may be maintained.

  

              4. In their application to the staff serving in the Indian Audit and AccountsDepartment, these orders issue after consultation with the Comptroller and AuditorGeneral of India.

(A. K. Chaturvedi)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Leave Travel Concession - Air Travel - Restrictions - Entitlement class

No.DPE/3(4)/2008-Fin.
Government of India
Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises
Department of Public Enterprises

Public Enterprises Bhavan
Block No. 14, CGO Complex
Lodhi Road New Delhi
Dated 26th March, 2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Expenditure Management - Economy measures and Rationalization of Expenditure.

In consonance with economy instructions issued by Department of Expenditure vide O.M. No.7(1)E.Coord./2009 dated 7th September, 2009, this Department extended the appropriate economy measures applicable for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) vide O.M. No. DPE/3(4)/2008-Fin dated 8.10.2009 through which, inter alia, following instructions regarding domestic and foreign travel were covered:-

(i) No travel on Government account by air will take place by First Class; and

(ii) All domestic travel on Government account by air will take place only by economy class, irrespective of the entitlement.

2. The matter has been reviewed by the Department of Expenditure and it has been decided vide O.M. No. 7(1)/E.Coord/2009 dated 23.3.2010 (copy enclosed) that w.e.f. 1st April, 2010 travel on Government account by air both domestic and International may take place by the entitled class. However, the austerity measures will remain in place for travel by air (where admissible) on LTC, which would continue to be restricted to economy class irrespective of the entitlement.

3. The partial withdrawal of austerity instructions vide O.M. referred above will also be applicable to CPSEs.

4. It is requested that the above relaxation may kindly be brought to the notice of Public Sector Enterprises under the administrative control of Ministries/Departments.

(V.K. JINDAL)
DIRECTOR

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No.7(1)E.Coord/2009
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
*****

New Delhi, the 22nd March, 2010

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Expenditure Management - Economy measures and Rationalisation of Expenditure.

Reference is invited to OM No.7(1)E.Coord/2009 dated 7th September, 2009 through which, inter alia, the following instructions has been issued regarding domestic and foreign travel:-

(i) No travel on Government account by air will take place by First Class; and

(ii) All domestic travel on Government account by air will take place only by economy class, irrespective of the entitlement.

2. The matter has been reviewed and it has been decided that w.e.f. 1st April, 2010, travel on Government account by air, both domestic and International may take place by the entitled class. However, the austerity measures will remain in place for travel by air (where admissible) on LTC, which would continue to be restricted to economy class irrespective of the entitlement.

(Madhlika P.Sukul)
Joint Secretary (Pers.)

No travel on Government account by air will take place first class

No.7(1)/E.Coord/2009
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure
*****

New Delhi, dated, the 22nd March, 2010.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Expenditure Management – Economy Measures and Rationalisation of Expenditure.

Reference is invited to OM No.7(1)E.Coord/2009 dated 7th September, 2009 through which, inter alia, the following instructions had been issued regarding domestic and foreign travel:-

(i). No travel on Government account by air will take place first class; and

(ii) All domestic travel on Government account by air will take place only by economy class, irrespective of the entitlement.

2. The matter has been reviewed and it has been decided that w.e.f. 1st April, 2010, travel on Government account by air, both domestic and international, may take place by the entitled class. However, the austerity measures will remain in place for travel by air (where admissible) on LTC, which would continue to be restricted to economy class irrespective of the entitlement.

(Madhulika P.Sukul)
Joint Secretary (Pers.)

Govt employees can travel first class from April 1

Govt employees can travel first class from April 1

With signs of economic revival becoming more pronounced, the government has relaxed the austerity drive undertaken last year and from April 1, government employees will be allowed to fly first class.

"The matter has been reviewed and it has been decided that with effect from April 1, 2010, travel on government account by air, both domestic and international may take place by the entitled class," an official statement said.

Last September, in the midst of the global financial crisis, the government had directed its employees not to fly first class on government account, irrespective of their entitlement, and fly economy for all domestic travels.

However, the government has not relaxed the austerity directive in case of Leave Travel Concession (LTC).

"...austerity measures will remain in place for travel by air (where admissible) on LTC, which would continue to be restricted to economy class irrespective of the entitlement," the Finance Ministry statement said.

The Indian economy slowed down in 2008-09 after being hit by the global financial crisis triggered by the collapse of US investment bank Lehman Brothers and other Wall Street titans beginning September 2008.

The country grew at a subdued rate of 6.7 per cent in 2008-09 after growing at around 9 per cent per annum for the preceding three financial years. In 2009-10, the economy is projected to grow by 7.2 per cent and by 8.5 per cent in 2010-11.

Source: Times of India

Regulation of journeys by private airlines while availing Leave Travel Concession

  

NO.31011/2/2006-Esst.(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
***************

  

Dated the 11th March, 2010

  

Subject:- Regulation of journeys by private airlines while availing Leave Travel Concession

The undersigned is directed to refer to Department of Expenditure O.M.No 19024/1/2009-E.IV dated 13/7/2009 and this Department's O.M. No. 31011/2/2006-Esst-(A) dated 27.7.2009 regarding journey by air while availing Leave Travel Concession (LTC), stipulating that in all cases of air travel (including LTC) both domestic and international where the Government of India bears the cost of air passage, the official concerned may travel by Air India only.

2. It is clarified that restriction of travel by Air India only need not apply to non-entitled officers who travel by air and claim LTC reimbursement by entitled class of rail.

3. The above orders will be applicable with effect from the date of issue of this Office Memorandum. Past cases already settled will not be re-opened.

4. This issues in consultation with Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) vide their I.D. No. 19024/1/2009-E.IV dated 9.3.2010.

  

(P.Prabhakaran)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Air Travel on official account - both domestic and international

No.19024/1/2009-E.IV

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Expenditure

*****

NewDelhi,Dated 1st October,2009.

Subject:- Air Travel on official account - both domestic and international

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry's OM of even number 13.7.2009 vide which it was notified that in all cases of air travel, where the Government of India bears the cost of air passage, travel would be restricted through Air India.

Air India has now offered following packages/concessions for Govt.of India officials w.e.f.1st October 2009:-

(A) Domestic Sectors:
(i) 4 Coupon Supersaver booklet in Economy class will be priced at Rs.26,816/- to be provided with multiple user facility to GOI officials, valid for travel for 6 months from the date of purchase. The price of these booklets will be reviewed every 6 months i.e. 1st April and 1st October, based on market fares and market conditions. Booking on this booklet will be in 'W' Class.

(ii) Against purchase of 25 booklets, one booklet of 4 coupons will be free of cost.

(B) International Sectors:

IATA Fare		Market Fare
RBD	Discount	RBD	Discount
F/J	25%	F/J	15%
Y	15%	B/H	10%
YE	10%	K/L/M	5%

Against International travels amounting to Rs.8 Lakhs (Basic and Fuel Surcharge), one Supersaver booklet of 4 coupons will be offered free of cost which will be valid on Domestic sectors only.

3. The free super saver booklets in A(i) and B above are being offered in lieu of FFP mileage points, which henceforth will not accrue to GOI personnel individually.

4. It may be clarified that in addition to supersaver booklet cost, applicable govt. taxes and airport fees/levies shall be paid separately.

5. All Ministries/Departments are requested to avail these concessional facilities being offered by Air India to Government of India.

DDOs/PAOs who fail to comply with the provisions of Section 192 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 would be liable to pay interest under section 201(1)/(1A) of Income Tax Act along with other penal consequences.

clarification reg. - Air Travel while availing LTC

No.3101112/2006-Estt.(A)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Department of Personnel & Training

Norht Block,New Delhi,
the 9th September, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Regulation of Journey by air while availing Leave Travel Concession - clarification regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even No. dated 27.7.2009 on the above subject and to say that consequent to issue of Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure O.M.No. 7(1) E.Coord/2009 dated 7/9/2009 on expenditure management the reimbursement of the expenses on air travel while availing of the Leave Travel Concession by Government servants will be restricted to the cost of travel by the economy class, irrespective of entitlement, with immediate effect.

Journey by air while availing Leave Travel Concession - clarification regarding.

No.3I011/2/2006-Estt.(A)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

(Department of Pension & Pensioners'Welfare)

New Delhi, dated the 27th July, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:Regulation of Journey by air while availing Leave Travel Concession - clarification regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Ministry of Finance,Department of Expenditure O.M.No. 19024/1/2009-E.IV dated 13/7/2009 modifying the O.M. No. 7(2)/E.Coord/2005 dated 23rd November, 2005 and superseding of O.M.No. 19024/1/E.IV/2005 dated 24/3/2006. It has been decided by the Department of Expenditure that in all cases of air travel both domestic and international where the Government of India bears the cost of air passage, the officials concerned may travel only by air India. The matter whether these orders will apply in cases of LTC has been considered in consultation with Ministry of Finance, Department of expenditure and it is confirmed that these orders/conditions will apply in cases of LTC also.

2. This issues in consultation with Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) vide their ID No. 39/DS(EG)/2009 dated 20/7/2009.

Air Travel on official account – both domestic and international

Air Travel on official account – both domestic and international

F.No.19024/1/2009-E.IV

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Finance

(Department of Expenditure)

New Delhi,dated the 13th July, 2009

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Air Travel on official account – both domestic and international

In partial modification of this Ministry’s OM No. F. No. 7(2)/E.Coord/2005 dated 23rd November, 2005 and in supersession of this Ministry’s OM No. 19024/1/E.IV/2005 dated 24.3.2006, it has been decided that in all cases of air travel, both domestic and international, where the Government of India bears the cost of air passage, the officials concerned may travel only by Air India.

2. For travel to stations not connected by Air India, the officials may travel by Air India to the hub/point closest to their eventual destination, beyond which they may utilize the services of another airline which should also preferably be an alliance partner of Air India.

3. In all cases of deviation from these orders because of operational or other reasons or on account of non-availability, individual cases may be referred to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for relaxation.

4. All Ministries / Departments of the Government of India are requested to strictly adhere to these instructions.

5. These orders will also apply to officials in autonomous bodies funded by Government of India.

'Free Companion Ticket' by Government servants introduced from time to time by various Airlines

No.11013/7/2008-Esst.(A)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Department of Personnel and Training

New Delhi, dated, the 3rd June, 2009.

Office Memorandum

****

Subject: CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 - Permission to avail of mileage points earned by Government servants on tickets purchased for official tour / visits and acceptance of 'Free Companion Ticket' by Government servants introduced from time to time by various Airlines.

****

The undersinged is directed to refer to the instructions issued vide this Department's O.M.No. 11013 / 7/ 2008 - Esst.(A) dated 6.10.2008 on the above subject directing that the mileage points earned on account of travel for official tours / visits shall not be used for pruposes of private travel in the form of free companion tickets or other variations thereof by a Government servants or members of his (or her) family and any action to the contrary to these instructions rendered a Govt. servant liable for departmental action. A review of these instructions was done in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and it has been decided to modify the instructions contained in the said O.M.to the extent that the Govt. servants shall be allowed to avail the facility of free companion tickets offered by the airlines for International travel only.

2. These orders shall take effect from the date of issue.

3. All Ministries / Departments are requested to please bring the forgoing to the notice of all concerned for information and necessary action.

(Simmi R.Nakra)
Director