New Delhi: The central government has extended its Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scheme which allows government employees to visit Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Northeast region. The scheme, which was set to expire, has now been extended for two more years, providing more time for employees to benefit from it.

Eligibility For LTC SchemeAll eligible central government employees can now avail of LTC to visit any of the mentioned regions. They can use this scheme in place of their hometown LTC during the block period of four years. As per the latest Office Memorandum dated September 17, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, government servants whose home town is located in one of the eligible regions (Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, or Andaman & Nicobar Islands) can also use the LTC scheme. However, they cannot claim LTC for the region where their hometown is located. Instead, they can travel to any of the other three regions. Who Is Not Eligible?Government employees whose home town and place of posting are the same are not eligible for this conversion of home town LTC. This is because they are not entitled to the home town LTC facility. Air Travel Regulations And ReimbursementsEven employees not entitled to air travel under regular rules can still travel by air in economy class to any of the regions covered by the scheme. Reimbursement for their airfare will be provided, but it will be subject to the conditions outlined in the Office Memorandum dated August 29, 2022.

Special Benefits For New EmployeesNewly recruited central government employees have the option to convert one of their three home town LTCs during a four-year period to visit these regions. Additionally, they are eligible for an extra conversion specifically for trips to Jammu & Kashmir or Ladakh. Booking GuidelinesThere are specific rules regarding the booking of air tickets under the LTC scheme. Employees are required to book tickets through approved travel agents, and they must select the best available fares while following the correct booking process.