[jsprogrammer]

This sounds pretty close to indentured servitude. Are you in the US? Did you come from another country?

I'd look into pursuing human trafficking claims against the "agency":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debt_bondage http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victims_of_Trafficking_and_Viol...

You might also want to check with the labor board in the state you live in, or the US Department of Labor to see if the agreement is even legal. If it's not, or the agreement is questionable (sounds like it), they can put pressure, negotiate, or prosecute the agency on your behalf.

[royunprofiled]

No, actually, I am from India. I have checked with lawyers and the agreement may actually not be legal, but I do not want to get into a legal mess, given the current state of Indian judiciary along the lawyer's expenses, it may get stretched for years. In the mean while, my prospects for higher education are at stake as I have to save for it as well. Right now, I am looking for somebody who could possibly guide me through a project, website or application that I can possibly develop in the mean while and pay my bond in a year or two.

[jsprogrammer]

Hmm, well I'm not familiar with India and it's government. Are there any "watchdog" government agencies that handle violations of labor laws? If you can get the government on your side you might be able to avoid lawyer's fees.

Have you already completed the Bachelor's program? What happens if you just leave the agency and move somewhere else?

[avinassh]

Indian here.

> Are there any "watchdog" government agencies that handle violations of labor laws?

No.

> If you can get the government on your side...

This is possible, public prosecutor will be assigned. But the case will take easily 4-5 years to come to a conclusion.

> What happens if you just leave the agency and move somewhere else?

Highly unlikely that agency may sue OP.

6 of my friends were working some companys and had signed 3 years bond. or would have to pay about $5000. Four of them just left the company, no notification or official resignation. Just, said goodbye. Other two cited health reasons and said they cannot work for next 6-7 months etc. They were let go.

I don't know for which agency OP works for. But I am yet to see/read someone paying up for breaking the agreement/bond in India. Companies also wouldn't want to pursue the matter further, cos it will cost them more anyways and courts will drag the cases for years. So they simply let people go, atleast in 99% of cases. That's how it is in India.

[royunprofiled]

Well, the government agency involved here is the Department of Space, Government of India. I am currently working for Indian Space Research Organization and did my Bachelor of Technology from Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. My certificates and transcripts are still held up and would not be released unless I clear my bond or complete my tenure. If I leave without notification, the money would be demanded from my surety, followed by legal prosecution if not produced. No health excuses here either. And yes, the department will and has in the past pursued such cases in the court of law and as far as I know, all of them are pending so far.