Stuck in a Notice Period Dilemma: How to Handle School's Vacation and Bond Policy?

Hi All, I am working in a private school in Bangalore. As per their contract, the notice period is 3 months. I submitted my resignation on 19th February, and ideally, they should relieve me on 19th May. However, from 19th April, the school vacation starts for a month, and they are telling me that if I want to be relieved on 19th April, I should pay 3 months' salary. Otherwise, I can come back from vacation and serve the notice period for another 3 months. This school has already held my original certificate as a bond. Additionally, for the last year, they have paid only 70% of the salary. Let me know your thoughts on what I should do in this situation. I am a little confused and worried. Thanks for your response.

Handling Original Certificates with Employers

It is always unwise to give your original certificate to the employer. Their contention is incorrect, but now you are at their mercy. One option for you is to walk away, file a police complaint, and also report to the education department. The other option is to obtain duplicate certificates from the relevant authorities. If you have DigiLocker, and your certificates are available on it, then they serve as adequate proof that you have met the qualifications, and the originals become insignificant. However, you will still need to clarify this with your new employers.