Debabrata Kantha, a Secretary in the Minority Welfare Department of Andhra Pradesh has decided to walk away from his cushy government job to become a politician – an avenue which he feels will bring him closer to the people in his hometown, Jajpur in Orissa.

“I can feel that people are looking for a positive change. They want someone competent and educated to do something good for the area. I am cashing in on that sentiment,” says he.

But this transition comes at a price. Kantha owes the Indian Government Rs 20 lakh after the Government had financed his Master’s degree in New York. Kantha had then signed a bond to serve as an IAS officer till 2010 or forfeit the amount. Now he has taken a loan to honour that bond and people are appreciating his decision.