Changes in LTA to facilitate PM's dream

(Courtesy: https://www.narendramodi.in)

Here is an excerpt from Prime Minister Sri.Modiji's speech on the Independence day.

".......Today from the ramparts of Red Fort, I am asking you one thing. This is to generate employment of the youth, to build an image of India in the world and to tell the world what India is capable of. It is time you decide that before 2022, when India will be celebrating the 75th Year of its Independence, we take our families to at least 15 tourist destinations in the country..... "

As is evident from the speech, PM is asking the citizens of the country to visit various tourist destinations for understanding our roots, diversity and simultaneously it is supposed to give boost to employment and economy.

To facilitate or motivate citizens of the country to realize PM's call for citizens, can finance ministry be catalyst in this drive? How?

Here is one possible provision that can be included in LTA - Leave Travel Allowance.

1. For a salaried person, currently LTA is allowed twice in every block of 4 years. Simply amend this and make LTA claimable every year.
2. Now, only salaried persons can claim LTA. Allow even business person to claim LTA while filing income tax returns.
3. The LTA amount can be fixed at a flat concession of, say Rs.40,000/- ( irrespective of once salary)
4. If LTA amount is fixed, then allow it to be split into multiple travels (upto 4/year).
5. If Hotel stay is not allowed, allow even hotel stay to be claimed (with GST in place, very less scope for miss-using)

The above provisions in LTA can motivate citizens of India to visit various destinations and ultimately contribute to the realization of PM Modi's dream!!

“I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” 

–Mahatma Gandhi.