OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF AUDIT (CENTRAL)
“LEKHA PARIKSHA BHAVAN”, 361, ANNA SALAI,
TEYNAMPET, CHENNAI – 600 018

DGA(C)/CLAIMS II/IV/26-02/2024-25/13

09.01.2025

CIRCULAR No -20

Sub: Booking of Air tickets under LTC Scheme prior to 21 days – Reg.

Ref: 1. DoPT OM. No. 31011/12/2022-Estt(A-IV), dt. 29.08.2022

Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scheme is a concessional travel facility for the Government employees to visit their Hometown or to visit any place in India during a block of four years. In terms of provisions of the Scheme, the Government employees have the option either to avail Hometown LTC twice in a block of two years each or to visit home town once in a period of two years and to visit any place in India in another block of two years. The current block of four years is 2022-25 with two years block of 2022-2023 and 2024-2025.

Instructions from DOPT regarding booking of Air tickets were issued in vide OM No. 31011/12/2022-Estt(A-IV), dt. 29.08.2022(the copy of the circular is enclosed) in which following were emphasized:

In all cases of air travel in respect of LTC, air tickets shall be purchased from the three Authorised Travel Agents(ATAs) namely:

1. M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL)
2. M/s Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT)
3. Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC)

• Government employees are to choose 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, at the time of booking. They are to retain the print- out of the concerned webpage of the ATAs having flight and fare details for the purpose of the settlement of the LTC claim.
• Employees are encouraged to book air tickets at least 21 days prior to the intended date of travel on LTC, to avail the most competitive fares and minimise burden to the exchequer.

It is observed that in many cases the instructions regarding booking of air tickets well in advance were not being followed. Hence, it is hereby instructed to furnish valid reasons / justifications for such non-compliance. It is also noted that the officials are submitting LTC intimations / applications at a very short period before the date of Outward Journey. As minimum time is required to process the applications it is advised to submit the LIC Advance and EL Encashment on LTC application at least 10 days prior to the date of onward journey.

This issues with the approval of Director /Administration dated 09-01-2025

Digitally signed by
Ramesh MS
Date: 09-01-2025 12:28:24
SENIOR AUDIT OFFICER/CLAIMS

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F(E)I/2020/AL-28/11

I/3068242/2023

Government of India/ भारत सरकार
Ministry of Railways / रेल मंत्रालय
(Railway Board) (रेलवे बोर्ड)

No. F(E)1I/2020/ AL-28/11

New Delhi, dated 22.05.2022

The General Manager,
Northern Railway,
New Delhi.

Sub: Delegation of powers to Air Travel in connection with Final Location Survey of Bilaspur-Manali-Leh, new BG Line.

In terms of Board’s letter No. F(E)I/2018 /AL-28/37 dated 06.06.2018 on the subject, the power to permit Air Travel in connection with Final Location Survey of Bilaspur-Manali-Leh, new BG Railway Line was delegated to CAO/C-II/NR as a special case for the period upto 31.03.2019. Currency of this arrangement was extended from time to time, the last being upto 31.07.2022 vide Board’s letter of even number dated 07.07.2022.

It has now been decided to extend the currency of this arrangement of re-delegation of power for the period beyond 31.07.22 and upto 31.03.2024, or till the finalization of the FLS related work of Bilaspur-Manali-Leh project; whichever is earlier, against clear fund availability.

The other provisions of letter No. F(E)I/2018/ AL-28/37 dated 06.06.2018 will remain unchanged.

Signed by Jitendra Kumar
Date: 23-05-2023 11:35:21
Reason: Approved

(Jitendra Kumarbvv )
Dy. Director Finance
Estt.I
Railway Board

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Extension of air travel to CAO/USBRL for officers posted on USBRL Project: Railway Board Order for delegation of power vide Order dated 02.02.2023

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (भारत सरकार)
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (रेल मंत्रालय)
(RAILWAY BOARD) (रेलवे बोर्ड)

No. F(E)1/2016 /AL-28/68

New Delhi, dated: 02.02.2023

The General Manager,
Northern Railway,
New Delhi.

Sub: Delegation of Power with regard to extension of air travel to CAO/USBRL for officers posted on USBRL Project while travelling on duty.

Ref: (i). Northern Railway’s letter No. 98-G/Model SOP/ RB/ Corrs/201 1-23 dt. 13.01.2023. (ii). Board’s letter of even number dated 13.09.2018, 06.12.2019, 17.09.2020, and 02.02.2022.

In terms of Board’s letter of even number dated 13.09.2018, regarding delegation of powers to permit Air Travel in connection with Udhampur- Srinagar- Baramula Rail Link (USBRL) Project, the power to permit Air Travel on duty on Delhi- Jammu- Srinagar- Delhi circuit for officers of all Grades (JS, SS, JA & SAG and above) posted in USBRL Project was delegated to CAO/C/USBRL for officers under his administrative control as a special case for a period upto 30.09.2019. The currency of this delegation of power was last extended up to 31.03.2023 vide Board’s letter of even number dated 02.02.2022.

It has now been decided, with the approval of Board (MF) that the above mentioned delegation of power to CAO/C/USBRL may be extended for a further period of one (01) year beyond 31.03.2023 i.e. upto 31.03.2024 or till the completion of the USBRL project, whichever is earlier. The other terms & conditions contained in Board’s letters of even number dated 13.09.2018, 06.12.2019, 17.09.2020 and 02.02.2022 would remain unchanged.

(Jitendra Kumar)
Dy.Director Finance (Estt.)
Railway Board

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Air India Domestic Fares (Instant & Advance Purchase Fares)

LTC stands for leave travel concession which allows government employees to avail a round trip once to their hometown and once to any other destination in India that is ultimately paid for by the government. LTC 80 is a scheme offered by Air India for booking air tickets when central government officers avail LTC.

Air India recently updated LTC fare list on 11th May, 2021 w.i.e. till 31st May 2021 and w.e.f. 01 June 2021 till 31 Mar 2022

Note:
a). Above Charges are applicable per coupon.

In case of ‘non‐refundable, Basic Fare will be forfeited.

b). In case of Re‐issuance : Reissuance Charges and difference of fare, if any, are applicable.

c). LTC Tickets: Change/Refund Fee will be as applicable for highest Business or Economy Class fare

(B) :‐ In cases of Flight Distruptions:

(a) Alternate arrangements are made by the Airline‐ No Refund

(b) Passenger is taken back to the point of origin by the first available service ‐ Full amount to be refunded.

(c) Own arrangement for the cancelled sector is made by the passenger(s): Refund of Basic fare of the cancelled sector

(d) The passanger is not taken to the ticketed destination & passanger(s) makes own arrangement : Full refund in order in respective RBD along with unutilized non‐airline taxes, if any.

(e) No Re‐validation or Cancellation Fee applicable on Infant Tickets.

**Fares are subject to Change without prior notice.**
** Updated as on 11 May 2021**
** 10 % discount on Base fare of Economy class Sale validity upto 30 Sep 2021 and Travel Validity: 01st Jun 2021 up to 31st Dec 2021 ( only available for bookings on Website & Mobile app
** 10 % discount on Base fare of Business class Sale validity upto 30 Sep 2021 and for Travel up to 31st December 2021 ( only available for bookings on Website & Mobile app

The post Air India LTC Fare List, valid until May 31, 2021, and enhanced fare list, effective June 1, 2021 appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

CGDA – For LTC, Air tickets must be purchased directly from airlines (at booking counters or on the airlines’ websites) or by registered travel agents.

Controller General of Defence Accounts
Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt – 110010
(IFA Wing)

Dated 30.03.2021

Instruction Order No. 05 of 2021

To
All PIFAs/SAG level IFAs
(Through CGDA Website/SIFA)

Sub: Clarification regarding relaxation for purchase of Air Ticket from an unauthorized Travel agent for the purpose of LTC.

In terms of Ministry of Finance OM No. 19024/1/2009/E.IV dated 16 Sep 2016 (copy enclosed), Air tickets are compulsory to be booked directly from Airlines (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.

Reimbursement of cancellation/ reschedule charges for air/ train tickets booked for the purpose of LTC and relaxation of LTC advance due to COVID-19 pandemic – relaxation

2. DOP&T vide their OM No. 43020/2/2016/Estt (A.IV) dated 19 Feb 2020 has granted one-time relaxation to such Govt. employees who had availed LTC by air to visit J&K and NER during January 2010 to June 2014 and booked the tickets through travels agents other than authorized, due to the lack of awareness of rules. Such relaxation has been granted to the concerned individual after he/she has obtained the concurrence of the Financial Adviser of the concerned Ministry/Department.
3. Since the powers to grant relaxation to travel by airlines other than Air India were delegated by MoD to PIFAs/IFAs, not below the level of SAG vide OMs No. 34/PCPA/Cor/ Fin/MO/2016 dated 14.06.2016 and 21.06.2016 and accordingly HQrs IFA Wing Instruction Order No. 08 dated 2016 and subsequent amendments issued time to time, PIFAs and all SAG level IFAs (Dedicated/Nominated) will also deal with the aforesaid cases relating to officers/officials including Defence Civilian Officers/ officials posted in the units/formation falling under the jurisdiction the said PIFAs/SAG level IFA offices.
4. Ministry of Defence (Fin) has advised that IFAs, being representatives of MoD (Fin) scrutinize such proposals received in their offices strictly in terms of aforesaid DOP&T OM dated 19.02.2020 so that only justified cases are submitted for the kind consideration of FA(DS).

This issues with the approval of Addl. CGDA (Finance).

Encl: As above.

(Richa Gupta)
Dy. CGDA (Fin)

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Air India LTC-80 Fare – Taxes, Fees & Charges

Air India LTC-80 Fare – Remarks & Notings

Goods & Service Tax (GST) as applicable would be additional :- (a) in Economy 5% (b) First & Business 12% on Base Fare & YR Total Fare comprises of Base comprises of Base Fare ( Page II ) plus Tax/ Fee/ Charges ( Page I ) and applicable GST.

Convenience Fee – Nil Charge

 Air India LTC-80 Fares – Table

Air India LTC-80 Fares – Other Fees

Fee for Change /Cancellation / No Show detailed under : effective 21st Jan’2020

* In terms of CAR issued by DGCA file no. 23-16/2016-AED effective 1st August 2016 Under no circumstances, the cancellation charges shall be more than the basic fare plus fuel surcharge.(In Air India on domestic Fuel charge is already merged with Basic Fare)
** No-Show charges waiver at airport for domestic sector for RBDs – H, K, Q, V, W, G, L, U, T, & S in case, the passenger has reported at the Airport,(after closure of counter but before departure of flight) for a Domestic sector, and only when passenger is being rolled over / travelling on the next available flight of Air India. in such case to facilitate a no-show passenger the waiver of no-show INR.3500/- plus 12% (GST) for business class ticket & 5% (GST) for economy class ticket, to be authorised by the Airport Duty Manager at the time of flight only, and cannot be levied / waived at CBO. Further, fare difference if any as per the RBD / Fare Basis available / applicable on the next available flight, will have to be charged from the passenger in addition to the no-show penalty, plus applicable (GST) as mentioned above.

(Penalty amount plus applicable Goods & Service tax (GST) as per booking RBDs) (a) Re-issuance of First class & Business class ticket : 12% (GST) on reissuance amount.(b) Re-issuance of Economy class ticket : 5% (GST) on reissuance amount, wherever applicable.(c) Cancellation / Refund charges for First & Business class ticket : 12% (GST) re-issuance amount, wherever applicable.(d) Cancellation / Refund charges for Economy class ticket : 5% (GST) re-issuance amount, wherever applicable.(e) No-show charges for First & Business class : 12% (GST) of no-show fee, wherever applicable.(f) No-show charges for Economy class : 5% (GST) of no-show fee, wherever applicable.(g) No Re-validation or Cancellation Fee applicable on Infant Tickets.

Note:

a). Above Charges are applicable per coupon.

In case of ‘non-refundable, Basic Fare will be forfeited.

b). In case of Re-issuance : Reissuance Charges and difference of fare, if any, are applicable.

c). LTC Tickets: Change/Refund Fee will be as applicable for highest Business or Economy Class fare

• :- In cases of Flight Distruptions:
  • Alternate arrangements are made by the Airline- No Refund
  • Passenger is taken back to the point of origin by the first available service – Full amount to be
  • Own arrangement for the cancelled sector is made by the passenger(s): Refund of Basic fare of the cancelled sector
  • The passanger is not taken to the ticketed destination & passanger(s) makes own arrangement : Full refund in order in respective RBD along with unutilized non-airline taxes, if
  • No Re-validation or Cancellation Fee applicable on Infant

**Fares are subject to Change without prior notice.**

** Updated as on 02 NOV 2020**

The post Air India Domestic Fares Instant & Advance Purchase Fares for the period W.I.E. till 26 SEP 2021 – Air India LTC-80 Fares November 2020 appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.

No. F(E)I/2016/ AL-28/68

New Delhi, date: 17.09.2020

The General Manager,
Northern Railway,
New Delhi

Sub: Delegation of Powers to permit Air Travel in connection with the officers posted on USBRL Project.

Ref: Northern Railway’s letter No. 98/G/ Model_ SOP/RB/Corrs./ 2019-20dt, 01.09.2020

In terms of Board’s letter of even ‘number dated 13.09.2018, regarding delegation of powers to permit Air Travel in connection with Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, the power to permit Air Travel on duty on Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar-Delhi circuit for officers of all Grades (JS, SS, JA & SAG and above) posted in USBRL Project was delegated to CAO/C/ USBRL for officers under his administrative control as a special case for a period upto 30.09.2019. Currency of this delegation of power was last extended up to 30.09.2020 vide Board’s letter of even number dated 06. 12.2019.

It has now been decided, with the approval of Board (MF) that the above mentioned delegation of power to CAQ/C/ USBRL may be extended upto 31.03.2022.

The other terms and conditions contained in Board’s letter of even number dated 13.09.2018. would remain unchanged.

(Jitendra Kumar)
Dy.Director Finance (Estt.)I
Railway Board

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Air India LTC 80 Fares List as on 05.08.2020 and for the period from 05.08.2020 to 31.07.2021

Air India Domestic Fares (Instant Purchase Fares)

Fares for the period W.I.E. till 31 JULY 2021

Air India LTC 80 Fares List as on 05.08.2020

Note:

a). Above Charges are applicable per coupon.
In case of ‘non-refundable, Basic Fare will be forfeited.

b). In case of Re-issuance : Reissuance Charges and difference of fare, if any, are applicable.

c). LTC Tickets: Change/Refund Fee will be as applicable for highest Business or Economy Class fare :-

• In cases of Flight Distruptions:
  • Alternate arrangements are made by the Airline- No Refund
  • Passenger is taken back to the point of origin by the first available service – Full amount to be
  • Own arrangement for the cancelled sector is made by the passenger(s): Refund of Basic fare of the cancelled sector
  • The passanger is not taken to the ticketed destination & passanger(s) makes own arrangement : Full refund in order in respective RBD along with unutilized non-airline taxes, if
  • No Re-validation or Cancellation Fee applicable on Infant

**Fares are subject to Change without prior notice.**

** Fares as on 05 AUG 2020

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Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)

RBE No.50/2020

No. F(E)1/2020/AL-28/13

New Delhi,
dated 08.07.2020 :

The General Managers,
All Indian Railways etc.
(As per-Standard Mailing List)

Sub: Guidelines for air travel on Official Tours; sending requests through e-mail only.

In accordance with the instructions contained in the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure’s O.M. Nos. 19024/1/2009-E-IV, dated 13.07.2009, 16.09.2010 & 28.07.2011 on the subject, as communicated by Ministry of Civil Aviation, certain guidelines (alongwith the proforma for seeking relaxation to travel by airline other than Air India, as issued by MoF) were circulated vide Board’s letter: No. F(E)I/2016/AL-28/25 dated 16:05.2016 regarding-grant of permission to travel by airlines other than Air India for official air travel (both domestic and international) by Railway officers. The guidelines were reiterated/ re-circulated and updated a from time to time on the receipt of further instructions from MoF.

2. At present, the request of Railway officers for air travel including those seeking relaxation to travel by airline other than Air India are being received in Board’s Office for approval either by post or by fax, both are paper consuming media. More so, request by post are most often received after the scheduled date of journey, while these should reach at least. 07 working days in advance from the date of journey.

3. For some time past, emphasis is being given on paper-less office. Recently, the use of e-office has been made compulsory in Board’s Office and all files are to be put up electronically, through e-office portal. Also, in the present situation of COVID-19 pandemic, handling of papers, physical files are not advisable.

4. Recently economy, austerity and cost control measures have been circulated to all Indian Railways through Board (FC)’s D.O. letter No. 2015-B-235, dated 19.06.2020. Para-I.(f) & V.Q) of Enclosure to this letter inter alia provides for reduction in instances of TA by 50% and curtailment of travel expenditure. While Para-V. (b) inter alia provides that for correspondences secure e-mail should be used.

Also check: Quarantine leave provision due to pandemic situation – Re-introduction – NFIR

5. In view of the above, all Indian Railways/PUs are advised that:

(i) travel by air should be avoided as far as possible, guidelines issued by Board’s Office in this regard from time-to time should be strictly adhered to.

(ii) all the requests for air travel including those seeking relaxation /permission to travel by other than Air India flight must be submitted to Railway Board at least 07 working days in advance from the scheduled date of travel, in duly filled proforma prescribed by MoF, alongwith all necessary documents e.g. tour programme duly approved by competent authority, papers Indicating the non-availability of AI flights etc. through email only (preferably by NIC mail).

6. The email ID for the purpose is airtravel.fel@rb.railnet.gov.in. The request may be mailed under the subject line “Air travel Request”

7. This issues with the approval of Board (FC)

8. Strict compliance of the letter may be ensured.

9. Please acknowledge receipt.

(Vikas Makhijani)
Deputy Director Finance/DFC .
Railway Board.

No. F(E)I/2020/AL-28/13

New Delhi, dated 08.07.2020

Copy to: Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General. of India (Rlys.), R.No.222, Rail Bhavan, New Delhi.

For Financial Commissioner/Railways.

No. F(E)1/2020/AL-28/ 13

New Delhi, dated 08.07.2020

Copy forwarded to: Principal Financial Adviser, All Indian Railways including Construction Units, Production Units

(Vikas Makhijani)
Deputy Director Finance/DFC
Railway Board

Source: indianrailways.gov.in

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No. 43020/21 2016-Estt (A.IV)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
Establishment A-IV Desk

North Block, New Delhi-110001
Dated: February 19 ,2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Clarification regarding relaxation of purchase of air tickets from authorized Travel Agents for the purpose of LTC.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s o.M. No. 31011/412014- Estt.A-IV dated 19.06.2014 and subsequent o.M. regarding the procedure for booking of air-tickets on LTC and to say that as per the extant instructions, whenever a Government servant claims LTC by air, he/she is required to book the air tickets directly from the airlines (Booking counters, website of airlines) or by utilizing the services of the authorized travel agents viz. M/s Balmer Lawrie & company, M/s Ashok Travels & Tours and IRCTC, (to the extent IRCTC is authorized as per DoPT O.M. No. 31011/6/2002-Est(A) dated 02.12.2009) while undertaking LTC journey(s).

Also check: LTC for New Joining Central Government Employees – FAQ

2. In this regard, many cases pertaining to the period of 2010-13 have been reported in this Department where Government employees had traveled on LTC by air to visit Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and North-East Region (NER) under the special dispensation scheme after booking the tickets through private travel agents due to lack of awareness of rules at that time. It has been observed that claims of these Government servants were initially settled by the administrative authorities. However, after few years when the audit authorities noticed the lapses, objections were raised on these claims and recoveries were ordered in such cases along with charging of penal interest. In view of the financial hardships caused to these individuals, huge demands are being received from Ministries/ Departments and JCM for grant of one time relaxation in these cases.

Benefit of gratuity in respect of Central Government Employees counting of service on joining new service covered under National Pension System (NPS)

The matter has been considered in this Department in consultation with Joint consultative Machinery – staff side and Department of Expenditure. It has been decided to grant one time relaxation to such Government employees who had availed LTC by air to visit J&K and NER during the period of January. 2010 – June. 2014 and booked the tickets through travel agents other than ‘M/s Balmer Lawrie & company’, ‘M/s Ashok travels & Tours’ and ‘IRCTC’ due to lack of awareness of rules. such relaxation shall be granted with the concurrence of Financial Advisor of the concerned Ministry/ Department. Fulfillment of fare limit of LTC-80 and other LTC conditions prevalent at the time of performance of journey by the Government servants may be ascertained before granting such relaxations. The Administrative Ministries/ Departments shall also ensure that only those cases are considered for relaxation where it is established that bonafide mistake has occured and no undue benefit has accrued to/obtained by the Government servant.

Further, in this regard, it is reiterated that the extant instructions regarding booking of air tickets on LTC journey through authorized modes should be strictly complied with. It is seen that despite reiterating the above provisions from time to time, this Department is still in receipt of cases seeking relaxation for booking of tickets from private travel agents on the grounds of lack of awareness of rules and work-exigencies. Therefore, Ministries/ Departments are again advised to ensure wide circulation of this Department’s instructions issued vide O.M. No. 310111212018-Estt.A-IV dated 10.12.2018, among their employees. Henceforth, the cases seeking relaxation on the plea of lack of awareness of rules and on grounds of exigencies of work shall not be considered by this Department. Only those cases, where the Administrative Ministry/ Department will certify the fact that bonafide mistake has occured and undue hardship is being caused to the Government servant, shall be considered by this Department.

(Surya Narayan Jha)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

To

The Secretaries
All Ministries/ Departments of Government of India
(As per the standard list)

The post Relaxation of purchase of air tickets from authorized Travel Agents for the purpose of LTC appeared first on CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS.