Double Transport Allowance Clarified for Disabled Govt Employees

In a move to streamline and clarify the grant of double Transport Allowance (TPTA) to disabled central government employees, the Department of Expenditure (DoE) has issued a detailed Compendium on 29 July 2025. The document consolidates Office Memoranda (OMs) issued between 2018 and 2023, aiming to resolve ambiguities in implementation and ensure uniform adherence across ministries and departments.

Background: Transport Allowance for Disabled Employees

As per Para 2 of OM No. 21/5/2017-E.II(B) dated 07.07.2017, Transport Allowance is admissible at double the normal rates to Central Government employees who are:

Visually impaired
Orthopedically handicapped
Deaf and dumb or Hearing impaired

This benefit is extended to those employed in posts that fall under pay levels 1 to 8, subject to specific conditions laid out in subsequent OMs.

Key Highlights from the Compendium

1. Eligibility and Pay Level Conditions

OM dated 04.02.2021 clarified that the double TPTA benefit is only admissible to disabled employees whose basic pay is at or below ₹43,600, even if their post falls under Pay Level 9.
This clarification aligns with the earlier decision to cap the benefit to Pay Levels 1 to 8 (basic pay ≤ ₹43,600) to maintain parity and avoid undue benefit extensions.

2. Departmental Responsibilities

Ministries and Departments are instructed to ensure that Transport Allowance is disbursed correctly and limited to those meeting both the disability and pay-level criteria.
Screening mechanisms and clear documentation are expected to be implemented to avoid misuse or overpayment.

3. Objective of the Compendium

The compendium acts as a reference guide for all administrative and financial authorities, especially drawing and disbursing officers (DDOs).
It consolidates all relevant instructions for ease of understanding, thereby avoiding repeated references to multiple circulars.

Implementation Status and Compliance

The issuance of the compendium comes in light of reports of confusion and misinterpretation of existing guidelines. In some cases, eligible employees were denied the benefit, while in others, the benefit was extended beyond the admissible pay levels.

Departments are now expected to:

Review existing TPTA disbursements
Correct any anomalies
Issue revised instructions, if necessary, in line with the clarified guidelines

Implications for Employees and Administrators

For eligible disabled employees, especially those nearing the ₹43,600 basic pay threshold in Pay Level 8, the clarification provides a clear framework for continuing or ceasing the double TPTA benefit.

For administrators, the compendium simplifies enforcement and minimizes the risk of audit objections due to non-uniform application of rules.

View OM: