Manipur: MP Leishemba Sanajaoba urges Centre to establish electronics, garment PSUs in state

Imphal: Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and titular king of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba, has urged the Government of India to establish Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the state focusing on electronics, electricals, and garment industries.

Electronics, electrical, and garment PSUs in the northeastern states, particularly in Manipur, are critical for fostering self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) and enhancing industrial capacity.

Key requirements for these sectors include establishing robust local supply chains to reduce import dependence, securing high-value manufacturing capabilities, and adopting advanced technologies.

Leishemba Sanajaoba, the BJP MP from Manipur, raised this demand during the Zero Hour of Friday's Parliament session, noting that Manipur is a small state with a population of around 30 lakh people.

Pointing out that there is not a single large industrial corporate house in Manipur, aside from a few small enterprises, he said that the problems currently facing educated unemployed youth would be addressed to some extent once PSUs are established.

“The literacy rate of Manipur stands at 76.94 per cent, according to the 2011 Census, while the state’s unemployment rate is 4.7 per cent, higher than the national average of 3.2 per cent,” Sanajaoba said. Many educated youths in Manipur remain unemployed, he added.

He expressed hope that establishing various PSUs in Manipur could help address unemployment to some extent, urging the government to set up electronics, electrical, and garment PSUs in the state.

He also stated that establishing these PSUs would boost the state’s economy and help prevent youths from falling into drug addiction and criminal activities.