AMMA is facing fresh turmoil after executive member Tini Tom questioned the power structure within the Association of Malayalam Cinema Artistes and called the president a “rubber stamp”.“The controversy has come amid an allegation of workplace harassment, sacking of workers, allegations of ‘unfairness’ by a security guard and the resignation of joint secretary Ansiba Hassan. The controversy has come under severe scrutiny of the leadership of the Malayalam film body.
AMMA power row deepens after Tini Tom’s remarks
According to Deccan Chronicle, Tini Tom told reporters that AMMA’s administrative powers primarily rest with the general secretary. He said the president, vice president and joint secretary have no real powers under the current statutes.Tom said this setup was unacceptable and asked for the rules to be changed. He accused the President of being a “rubber stamp”, and said that the organization needed a structure that would allow office managers to participate in key decisions.The conflict escalated after the front-office manager was fired, which led to criticism within the association. Many members said the issue shows the current board’s lack of administrative experience.
The office manager’s complaint and Ansiba Hassan’s resignation add to the pressure
Apart from the general secretary and the treasurer, other officials do not seem to have participated in major decisions. Among them, the dismissal of the front desk manager and security staff. Reports also said that new staff were hired without the knowledge of other panel members.The leadership came under pressure after an employee filed a police complaint alleging workplace harassment. He said his working hours were from 9am to 5pm, but he had to work until midnight. He complained that treasurer Unni Sivapal usually arrived around 5 pm, which forced him to stay in the office late at night. He also said that he was asked to arrange food for the treasurer’s daughter on a day when the treasurer was on leave.The executive committee later revoked the termination of the former office manager because the committee did not accept it. A security guard also submitted a letter alleging “unfairness”.In another setback, the executive committee accepted the resignation of joint secretary Ansiba Hassan. The actor is gearing up for the release of ‘Drishyam 3’ starring Mohanlal and Meena. Reports said that her film commitments influenced her decision.Former office bearer Baburaj accused the current leadership of damaging AMMA’s reputation. He also said that those who came under women empowerment had damaged the welfare work and stopped supporting the struggling artistes.
