Kochi (Kerala) | Director B Unnikrishnan on Friday submitted his resignation as general secretary of the FEFKA, but the body rejected it at a general council meeting held the same day.
Film Employees Federation of Kerala is the umbrella organisation of various employee associations in the Kerala film industry.
Unnikrishnan had tendered his resignation citing personal reasons, which was discussed at the council meeting. However, members urged him to continue in the post, and he agreed on the condition that he would not be as actively involved in all matters as before.
FEFKA president Siby Malayil also offered to step down, but his resignation was similarly rejected.
Speaking to reporters, Unnikrishnan said he had been serving in the post since 2008 and felt it was time for new leadership to emerge.
"Confining power to one person for 18 years is inappropriate, and I have raised this in several meetings earlier," he said.
He added that he chose to take this step at a time when FEFKA was in a strong position, with its member bodies having their own headquarters, a sound financial status, and active welfare initiatives.
The organisation provides benefits such as Rs 10 lakh on retirement and a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 to its members, he said.
"The organisation is functioning strongly and can also take up issues like regulating the working hours of film employees to 12 hours," he added.
Unnikrishnan said he felt the organisation had "outgrown" him and that it was the right time to step aside.
"I also want to devote time to writing, travelling, and teaching. I discussed this with Siby Malayil, and we decided to present it together before the general council," he said, adding that the council expressed its preference for continuity in leadership.
"They want me to continue without burdening me. They want me to remain as general secretary and Siby Malayil as president," he said.
Unnikrishnan thanked the member bodies for their support and said he would continue to work with the organisation going forward.
