Port Blair: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on January 20 categorically stated that the process of disinvestments was irreversible and only some state governments had reservations on how the process would be implemented.

Replying to a question on how state governments viewed Centre's disinvestment policies, Vajpayee said there were some differences on how to implement the policy of disinvestment, but no political parties or groups were against disinvestments as such.

"The policy (disinvestment) has come to a stage where it is irreversible," he said before embarking to New Delhi after a three-day visit to the Andaman and Nicobar island. He added that it would be ensured that unemployment would not arise because of disinvestment policies.

Vajpayee said something has to be done to deal with loss-making public undertakings and suitable steps taken to see that workers are not rendered idle.

To another question on curbing poaching activities in the Indian waters, Vajpayee said "no permanent solution can be adopted for poaching. The sea is vast... only solution is to be alert and careful."

Referring to the road being constructed that would join Himalaya to Kanyakumari, the Prime Minister said this project would bring in a lot of employment opportunities.

"As such, 70 lakh people have been provided with jobs under the government of India's housing scheme. Youth should not just look for jobs in the government sector but should explore other sectors also," he said.

PTI