Talking to mediapersons at the Raj Bhavan on Wednesday before winding up his Chennai visit, the prime minister said a number of steps have been initiated by the union government to revive the economy while adding that a "few more steps are in the offing".

"We will be facing the problem in a determined manner," he noted and pointed out that the price-rise has been more in recent months, but attributed it to "seasonal variations".

Asked about the extent of impact of economic sanctions on the economy, Vajpayee asserted: "economic sanctions have been found to be unproductive. That is why rethinking is going on in those countries which imposed sanctions."

The prime minister explained the point further saying, "our economy is strong enough, resilient enough to withstand such pressure. There is no justification to continue thepresent economic sanctions."

The prime minister in reply to another question on CTBT firmly said, "India is not prepared to sign the CTBT in its present form." Talks with the United States will resume in New York next week when the Indian delegation visits there to attend the UN General Assembly meetings.

He said India would like some more changes to be made particularly regarding transfer of hi-technology items. India has been talking on this and other points. The cloud around the issue of nuclear blasts in Pokhran in May has cleared and a firm commitment has been made that the country will not have any more nuclear blasts, he added.

When reminded that Pakistan is considering signing the CTBT after its Parliamentary session, Vajpayee retorted saying, "our attitude to CTBT does not depend on what Pakistan does or does not do."

Asked about the possible realignment of political forces in Tamil Nadu in the light of differences with AIADMK and support offered by DMK, Vajpayee evaded a direct reply. "Iwould not like to make any forecasts," he said. On being asked whether he considers AIADMK as a reliable ally, his cryptic comment was, "only future will tell."

Regarding review of the constitution to give more powers to the state, Vajpayee said that there is a proposal to set up a committee to go into the question. While conceding that the matter has been delayed, he added that it will be taken up after the forthcoming state assembly elections.

Asked for his reaction to Jayalalitha describing the Cauvery agreement as a fraud perpetrated on the people of Tamil Nadu, the prime minister said that he would like to assure the people of Tamil Nadu that their interests are fully protected while drawing up the Cauvery agreement. "People should not have any misgivings on this count," he said.

He said a coordination committee meeting will be convened soon, but added that no date has been fixed and it would be held after his return from the foreign tour. The Cabinet expansion will also be made after his return,he added.