Centre plans random checks of air tickets to curb LTC misuse

All central government departments have been asked to carry out random checks of air tickets submitted by their employees to stop any misuse of Leave Travel Concession (LTC) claims.

The central government staff have been warned that a “serious” view would be taken of any misuse of LTC claims and appropriate action will be initiated in such cases.

“In order to check any misuse of LTC, ministries or departments are advised to randomly get some of the air tickets submitted by the officials verified from the airlines concerned with regard to the actual cost of air travel vis-a- vis the cost indicated on the air tickets,” the department of personnel and training (DoPT) said in an order.

It advised the ministries or departments to caution their employees that any misuse of LTC would be viewed seriously and is liable for appropriate action under the rules.

According to rules, any government employee found guilty of preferring a fraudulent LTC claim may be penalised and barred from getting travel allowance for the next two or three years.

CBI has registered at least seven cases to probe fake travel bill cases or ‘LTC scam’ allegedly involving government employees and present and former Members of Parliament.

The matter of such irregularities came to light following an inquiry by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on the alleged misuse of LTC facility by government employees.

Following a preliminary inquiry into the matter, the CVC had written to Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth citing alleged irregularities and misuse in the availing of LTC by officials of the central government, its public enterprises and public sector banks.

The matter was also referred to CBI for a detailed investigation.