Stuck in a Job Bond: How Can I Get My Certificates Back Without Paying a Fortune?

Hi, this is my first post on this site. Can anyone help me with this issue? I am working in healthcare services as an AR caller. It is purely night shifts. At the time of joining, I signed a bond period of 2 1/2 years and submitted my original study certificates. After completing my first year, I took the ICET exams to pursue an MBA. When I asked the management to return my certificates to further my studies, they asked for 1 lakh rupees. Even though I offered to continue my job regularly, they insisted on the payment. One thing I don't understand is whether the company is making money from clients or from employees.

The company has no right to retain and withhold your original educational documents. Asking for a security deposit of Rs100,000 is also not in order. If you refuse, they will ask you to leave. So keeping this in mind, you can decline to pay Rs1L and demand your educational certificates. Have they done the same with other employees? You could then join together and take it up politely with the management.

Keeping the Original Certificates/Mark-lists is a widespread abuse. Various educational institutions as well as employees are resorting to this practice, which is a malpractice. There are various remedies available, but none of them are easy and could be pursued only if the persons affected have some courage and determination.