DoPT Order: Extension of Special Dispensation Scheme for Air Travel on LTC to NER, J&K, Ladakh & A&N
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued an Office Memorandum dated 9th September 2026 regarding the Central Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 1988. This document announces the extension of the Special Dispensation Scheme, which allows Central Government employees to travel by air to visit the North East Region (NER), the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, the Union Territory of Ladakh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The relaxation has been officially extended for a further period of two years.
Key Highlights
- The scheme allowing air travel to NER, J&K, Ladakh, and A&N is extended for two years.
- The new effective period is from 26th September 2026 until 25th September 2028.
- Eligible employees may avail this by converting one Home Town LTC in a four-year block period.
- Air tickets must be purchased only from the three Authorized Travel Agents (ATAs).
Main Conditions and Eligibility
Conversion Rules
Government servants whose Home Town and Headquarters/place of posting are the same are not eligible for this conversion facility. If an employee's Home Town is situated in one of the four specified regions (NER, A&N, J&K, Ladakh), they can convert their Home Town LTC to visit any of the other three regions. Fresh recruits are permitted to convert one of their three Home Town LTCs in a four-year block to visit these regions. Additionally, fresh recruits receive one extra conversion of Home Town LTC specifically to visit J&K or Ladakh in a four-year block.
Travel Entitlements
Employees who are entitled to travel by air may avail of this concession from their Headquarters in their entitled class via any airline. For Government servants not entitled to air travel, Economy class air travel is allowed on any airline for specific sectors:
- Between Kolkata or Guwahati and any place in the NER.
- Between Kolkata, Chennai, or Visakhapatnam and Port Blair.
- Between Delhi or Amritsar and any place in J&K or Ladakh.
For non-entitled employees, the journey from their Headquarters up to these specified railheads (Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Delhi, Amritsar) must be undertaken as per their normal entitlement. While non-entitled employees are allowed to travel directly by air from their Headquarters, their reimbursement will be restricted to the fare entitled under the Special Dispensation Scheme or the actual airfare, whichever is less.
Authorized Travel Agents (ATAs)
| Sl. No. | Authorized Travel Agent for LTC Booking |
|---|---|
| 1 | M/s Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL) |
| 2 | M/s Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT) |
| 3 | Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) |
Conclusion
The extension of the Special Dispensation Scheme until 25th September 2028 provides Central Government employees with continued opportunities to visit NER, J&K, Ladakh, and A&N. Employees must ensure all bookings are made through the three designated authorized travel agents and strictly follow the sector-specific rules to ensure seamless claim settlements.
Educational Purpose Only: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.
Accuracy & Mistakes: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, human errors or omissions may occur.
No Liability: Under no circumstances shall the author or this website be held liable for any loss arising from the use of this information.
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