Stuck in a Job Bond: How Can I Leave Without Paying and Avoid Being Blacklisted?

Hi all, I joined ICICI Bank last month. At the time of joining, they recruited me as a Corporate Sales Executive. They signed a bond for two years, and if I leave, I have to pay 30K. They also kept my certificates. Now, they are telling me to do door-to-door sales, which I can't do. I want to leave the job at any cost, but I don't have the money to pay them. They also informed me that they will make me a defaulter so that I will never be able to get another job. Kindly guide me, please.

Dear Mr. Dharamweb, there is somewhere I feel that we are affected by such a system called "BOND" / "EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT". This has to be mutually decided if you do not want to pursue the contract. The most benign means to end a contract is to have all parties agree to its termination. If you are attempting to get out of a contract, the first step is truly communicating with the concerned. Explain why you want to get out of the contract, and ask the other party for permission to void it. It's the best way to participate without conflicting.

I appreciate the point suggested by Ms. Sharmila Das. Has he attempted that step? And if yes, what was the result?

Queries Regarding Appointment and Bond Conditions

I seek answers to the following queries:

1. Did you get an appointment letter?
2. Did you accept the appointment letter?
3. Did you get a job description?
4. Is it a condition in the appointment letter that you shall have to deposit all your original certificates with them?
5. Is there any mention that those shall be returned after the completion of the bond?
6. What are all the steps you have taken so far, and what was the end result? Please specify.

After receipt of your reply, something concrete can be advised.

Regards,
SATISH KUMAR
SR. MANAGER (HR) retired NTPC Ltd.

Original Certificates and Employment Practices

Keeping original certificates is done by colleges at the time of admission to prevent students from taking admission at multiple colleges. It is strange to be asked for or to have deposited original certificates with a company. For decades, it has been known that what one submits or is asked to submit while applying for a job are attested copies of the certificates, and verification of the same is done at the time of appointment. The person verifying the copies should promptly return the originals. Senior HR Managers from this forum can shed light on this matter for the benefit of non-HR forum members.

Exiting a Job and Employment Bonds

Regarding exiting a job, although I am not from HR, having seen the industry for over 40 years, I can say that no one wants to keep someone in service who is not interested in the job, as they may not be able to put in maximum effort and hence produce results. In the case of senior personnel, even if there is a bond for up to three months, companies do relieve them as quickly as possible with mutual agreement.

In your case, the employer certainly must have a waiting list of other potential candidates when you were selected. Hence, it could be easier for them to fill the vacancy quickly if you leave. Ms. Sharmila Das has indeed given the best advice; talk to the seniors, explain your difficulty, and a mutually agreeable solution may emerge.

Embracing Diverse Sales Experience

Let us not grumble about being shifted from a corporate sales role to the retail sales profile. Both provide valuable experience. For a person interested in growing in the sales function, all types of experiences will help one day. To that extent, your inhibitions, especially if you are young or a beginner in this profession, need a review.

But if you are too sensitive on this issue, Sharmila has given the right advice. Regarding retaining your original certificates, an organization like ICICI Bank would not have done it as a matter of policy. I am sure they will not like to retain a person who is not interested in the job. Just approach your HR and have a heart-to-heart dialogue with them. Someone may be able to convince you that carrying on with this job is in your interest.

Understanding Bond Agreements and Consequences

If the candidate has signed a mutual agreement with the employer, the rule states that he should pay the bond amount and obtain his relieving letter as per the appointment letter. Sorry, gentleman, you have already committed by signing the bond.

Clarifying Job Responsibilities

Like suggested before, did your offer/appointment letter include your job description? If it did, and if the job description mentioned is different from what they are currently asking you to do, then you should definitely talk with the HR team and sort it out as this is incorrect.

Surely, people should consider that no one can be forced to do what they do not want to do. If necessary, you should seek legal help.

As far as India is concerned, bonds are illegal, hence void. They can ask you to pay the cost of training (if formal training was provided to you) only. Withholding your certificates is also violative of your constitutional rights, as it amounts to keeping you as a bonded laborer. You may want to consult a lawyer.

Regards