Finance Minister P Chidambaram has said that the government is steadily working towards new economic reforms. Addressing the inaugural session of the national editor’s conference in New Delhi today, Mr Chidambaram said there is a need to create more high productivity jobs and enhance skills of the labour force.

Stating that creating good jobs is the best forms of inclusion, he emphasized incentivising small firms to grow and create more jobs. He said, government has launched several measures to improve investment climate in the country.

The Finance minister mentioned that the budget proposals have several incentives for investment . He said the country has travealled considerable distance on road to fiscal consolidation and reforms with liberlisation of FDI and other measures. He said more reforms are being contemplated.

He expressed confidence that Food Security Bill will be passed soon by Parliament, perhaps in the Budget session itself. Mr Chidambaram urged the media to play a leading and inspiring role in orientation of the youth.

Regarding situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Finance minister said the security situation will be improved in the valley soon which is important for economic development. He said violence that erupted post execution of Afzal Guru in Kashmir will subside.

Responding to a question on tourism in the state, the minister said restoration of peace is essential for the development of tourism, power and agriculuture sectors, which will definitely generate employment.

Rejecting the allegation that his ministry was disriminating against West Bengal, Mr Chidambarm said the ministry has given same emphasis on each and every state of the country.

Addressing the conference, Secretary of Information and Broadcasting ministry Uday Verma said vernacular media has done a commendable job for the development of the country.