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The most rewarding career path in India - Politics

It is one of India's most mineral rich areas. It is also one of India's poorest regions. But that has not stopped some of its citizens from charting amazing career paths. No i am not talking about Forbes richest, i am talking about the state of Jharkhand and its governing class. As reported in a leading national daily, a rickshaw puller who entered politics now has two bungalows and a small time contractor who did the same now commands a fleet of cars. Of course, the cake is taken by a daily wage earner who eventually became the Chief Minister - Madhu Koda.

While one should not jump to conclusions while the investigation into the alleged Rs 40 bn scam is on, there are some startling numbers already in public domain. Mr. Koda declared a personal networth of Rs 2.4 m in 2005 which swelled to Rs 11.7 m in 2009. That's nearly 5 times the money in 4 years. Two of his erstwhile colleagues Enos Ekka and Harinarayan Rai have personal networths of Rs 14 m and Rs 32 m respectively as per latest declarations. These very politicians were in charge of development projects, which of course was the last thing on their minds. So, no slum development, no security measures and no roads in rural areas.

The sad part in all of this is that this is hardly an isolated case. Nor is it likely to be the last such instance. Politics certainly seems to be the most rewarding career path in India.

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