Centre Extends LTC Facility By Two More Years For Employees To Visit J&K, Northeast

NEW DELHI, Sept 9: The Centre has extended by two years a special Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scheme allowing its employees to travel to Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, the Northeast and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

According to an order issued by the Personnel Ministry on Wednesday, the scheme will remain in force from September 25, 2026 to September 25, 2028. Eligible Central government employees can avail the facility to visit any place in these regions by converting one Home Town LTC during a four-year block period.

Under the scheme, government employees who are not otherwise entitled to air travel can also travel by air in economy class on any airline to the specified regions. Eligible employees are entitled to reimbursement of to-and-fro journey expenses along with paid leave while availing LTC.

The order also provides additional benefits for fresh recruits. They can convert one of the three Home Town LTCs available to them in a four-year block to visit the Northeast, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir or Ladakh. They are also allowed one additional conversion of Home Town LTC to visit Jammu and Kashmir or Ladakh during the four-year block.

The Ministry cautioned employees against misuse of the facility and said violations would invite appropriate action under the rules.

To prevent misuse, ministries and departments have been advised to randomly verify air tickets submitted by employees with the concerned airlines, particularly regarding the actual fare paid vis-a-vis the amount shown on the tickets.

The order has been circulated to the secretaries of all Central government ministries for information and necessary action. (Agencies)