THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Differences have emerged within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), with executive member Tini Tom accusing the President of being a mere rubber stamp.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Tini Tom said that all administrative powers currently rest with the general secretary and that the rules need to be amended. The AMMA bylaws do not grant any powers to the president, vice president, or joint secretary, which he called unacceptable. The recent termination of an office manager has sparked major controversy, with many claiming the situation arose because the current leadership lacks administrative experience.
Aside from the general secretary and treasurer, no other office bearer is involved in key decisions, including the recent dismissal of the front office manager and security staff.
Even new employees were hired without the knowledge of other panel members.
AMMA’s leadership came under scrutiny following a police complaint filed by a staff member alleging workplace harassment. The staff member claimed her duty hours were from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but she was made to work until midnight. She alleged that the treasurer would usually arrive only around 5 p.m., forcing her to stay in the office late into the night. She was even asked to arrange food for the treasurer’s daughter on a day she was on leave.
Adding to the woes of the office bearers, another security staff member submitted a letter alleging “injustice.”
The AMMA leadership had revoked the termination of the former office manager who had filed the police complaint against treasurer Unni Sivapal, as the termination had not received the approval of the executive committee.
In another development, the executive committee accepted the resignation of joint secretary Ansiba Hassan. The actor is preparing for the release of her upcoming movie “Drishyam 3,” starring Mohanlal and Meena. Reports suggest that her work commitments in the industry may have influenced her decision to step down from AMMA.
Actor-producer Baburaj, a former office bearer of AMMA, has criticised the current leadership of the organisation, claiming their actions are tarnishing its reputation. He alleged that those who took charge in the name of women’s empowerment have dismantled the association’s welfare activities and even stopped aid to struggling artistes.
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