Leave Travel Concession (LTC) is one of the most recognized allowances available to serving Central Government employees, allowing them reimbursement of travel expenses for visiting home or other parts of the country. However, in recent times, there has been a growing demand to extend the LTC benefit to pensioners, particularly after every four years — a benefit currently unavailable to them.
A formal representation on this matter was submitted by the Defence Accounts Pensioners Welfare Association to the Hon’ble Finance Minister, and it was acknowledged by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) through a letter (F.No. 43020/18/2023-Pers. Policy A-IV) dated January 2025.
What Does the Official Letter Say?
The DoPT letter addressed to Shri Satpal Singh, President of the Defence Accounts Pensioners Welfare Association, states:
“The suggestions mentioned in your letter dated 17.1.2025 have been taken on record for appropriate action in due course of time.”
While this may not be a direct approval, it signifies that the issue is under consideration — a positive sign for lakhs of pensioners awaiting such relief.
Lets know about 8th CPC Pay and Pension –
Why Are Pensioners Demanding LTC?
The demand for LTC to pensioners is not merely a request for financial benefit, but is rooted in logical, humane, and practical reasons, including:
1. 🧳 Encouragement of Domestic Travel
Senior citizens often avoid travel due to high costs and limited resources. LTC support can:
- Encourage travel for health, social, and emotional well-being.
- Promote domestic tourism, aligning with government initiatives like Dekho Apna Desh.
2. 💰 Financial Relief for Fixed-Income Groups
Pensioners survive on limited and fixed monthly pensions, which often do not account for inflation. An LTC facility every 4 years would be a valuable relief, even if it’s a limited or concessional version.
3. 👥 Equality in Post-Retirement Welfare
Central Government employees contribute to national development throughout their career. Offering LTC post-retirement (at a defined frequency) reflects:
- A dignified continuation of support to former government servants.
- Parity with other post-retirement facilities like medical care (CGHS/ECHS).
Current Scenario: Who Gets LTC?
At present:
- Serving Central Civil Services Employees are entitled to LTC.
- Pensioners, including ex-servicemen and civil retirees, are not covered under any LTC provisions post-retirement.
However, some State Governments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have already introduced limited LTC-type travel benefits for retired employees — setting a precedent.
Suggested Modalities (Proposed by Pensioner Groups)
To ensure minimal financial burden on the exchequer while offering meaningful support, some practical modalities for LTC to pensioners could include:
- LTC once in 4 years (instead of biennial or quadrennial as for serving employees).
- Reimbursement restricted to second-class rail fare or economy air travel, capped at a ceiling.
- Eligibility only after a minimum of 5 years of service before retirement.
- Precondition of self-declared health fitness for travel.
📌 My View: Why This Reform Makes Sense
The demand for LTC for pensioners is reasonable, justified, and socially responsible. Here’s why:
- Acknowledges the Lifetime Contribution of retired employees.
- Promotes emotional and physical well-being in old age.
- Generates economic activity via domestic tourism.
- Has the potential to be implemented in a cost-neutral or low-cost manner.
If structured wisely, the Government of India can offer All India LTC to pensioners once every four years without significantly impacting fiscal discipline.
📎 Way Forward
While the government has acknowledged the representation from pensioner associations, concrete action is awaited. The proposal should be taken up for inter-ministerial consultation, especially between:
- DoPT (Personnel Policy)
- Ministry of Finance (DoE)
- Ministry of Tourism
- Pensioners’ Welfare Department
A pilot scheme or recommendation by the 8th Pay Commission could further provide institutional backing to this long-standing demand.
📬 Final Word
Extending LTC to pensioners is more than just a financial benefit — it is a gesture of respect, recognition, and inclusion. The government’s thoughtful consideration, as seen in the response to the representation, must now translate into a progressive policy decision.
