7th Pay Commission: Central Government Eases LTC Claim

7th Pay Commission: Central Government Eases LTC Claim Procedures for Employees. 7th Pay Commission: Centre Relaxes LTC Claims For Govt Employees, Check Revised Guidelines.

Introduction: 7th Pay Commission: Central Government Eases LTC Claim

Central government employees can now rejoice as the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), has introduced relaxed norms for Leave Travel Concession (LTC) claims.

The move, as per an Office Memorandum released this week, aims to streamline the reimbursement process for LTC journeys, providing greater flexibility to government officials.

Revised Guidelines: 7th Pay Commission

Under the revised guidelines, ministries, departments, and subordinate or attached offices, with the concurrence of financial advisers and Heads of Department (not below the rank of Joint Secretary), can approve reimbursement claims related to LTC journeys for up to six months without the need to refer to the DoPT.

This significant change is expected to expedite the approval process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for employees.

Advance Drawal and Repayment: 7th Pay Commission

In situations where an advance is drawn, the approval period for reimbursement claims is extended to three months. However, the employee must repay the entire advance amount within this timeframe.

It is essential to note that the repayment must be in a lump sum, and interest will be levied on the total advance amount from the date of drawal to the date of recovery.

Exceptional Circumstances: 7th Pay Commission: Central Government Eases LTC Claim

The revised regulations are applicable when a Central Government employee faces circumstances beyond their control, preventing them from submitting the claim within the prescribed time limit under rules 14 and 15 of CCS(LTC) Rules, 1988.

This provision acknowledges unforeseen challenges and ensures that employees are not unduly penalized for circumstances beyond their control.

Also Read: Seventh CPC Pay Commission

Flight Booking Regulations: 7th Pay Commission: Central Government Eases LTC Claim

In addition to LTC claim procedures, the Office Memorandum dated October 20, 2023, emphasizes that when central government employees book flight tickets through authorized travel agents, the agents must display details of flights with the cheapest fare and those with fares 10% more than the cheapest fare in the desired time slot.

This provision serves as evidence that the booked tickets adhere to the guidelines set by the Department of Personnel and Training.

Conclusion: 7th Pay Commission

The relaxation of LTC claim norms is a positive development for Central Government employees, offering more flexibility and efficiency in the reimbursement process.

The extended timeframe for claim submission and the streamlined approval process align with the government’s efforts to enhance the ease of doing business and simplify administrative procedures.

FAQs: 7th Pay Commission: Central Government Eases LTC Claim

1. What is the key change in the LTC claim norms for Central Government employees?

Ans: The key change allows ministries, departments, and offices to approve reimbursement claims for LTC journeys for up to six months without referring to the DoPT.

2. How long is the repayment period for the entire advance amount in case of an advance drawal?

Ans: The repayment period for the entire advance amount, in case of an advance drawal, is up to three months.

3. Is interest levied on the advance amount during the repayment period?

Ans: Yes, interest will be charged on the entire advance amount from the date of drawal to the date of recovery.

4. When are the revised regulations applicable according to the ministry?

Ans: The revised regulations are applicable when a Central Government employee is unable to submit the claim within the prescribed time limit due to circumstances beyond their control.

5. What additional provision is highlighted in the Office Memorandum regarding flight bookings?

The Office Memorandum emphasizes that authorized travel agents must display details of flights with the cheapest fare and those with fares 10% more than the cheapest fare in the desired time slot as evidence of adherence to guidelines.