No DA hike as demanded: Finance department releases new circular on LTC for West Bengal employees

Good news for state government employees at the year's end. Although the state government is delaying the DA payment, new LTC guidelines have been issued.

The Finance Department has issued new LTC guidelines for state government employees. These guidelines offer enhanced travel benefits.

All categories of state government employees will now receive AC class fares for family travel by train under LTC-HTC.

Employees with a basic salary less than 50,000 rupees will receive AC three-tier fares as per the new guidelines.

Employees with a basic salary of 50,000 rupees or more will receive AC two-tier fares. Air-conditioned fares will also apply to trains with only chair cars.

For LTC travel to Andaman or Lakshadweep by ship, employees with a basic salary above 50,000 will receive first or A-class cabin fares, while others will receive second or B-class fares.

The West Bengal State Government Employees Federation has welcomed the new LTC rules. The previous government notification regarding LTC created confusion about the train class entitlements for employees.

Some Group C and D employees received sleeper class fares under LTC or HTC. Now, everyone will receive AC class fares. Employees receive family travel allowance every 5 years.

Despite providing several benefits, the state government remains firm on its stance regarding DA, while employees maintain their demand.