'I will ensure more money in pocket' New Delhi: In what appears to be a clear shift in stance after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) poll debacles in states, the new Finance Minister Jaswant Singh said his job was not that of a "policeman" but to ensure food for all, more money in the hands of people and instill confidence in investors.

"I do not treat the functions of a Finance Minister as that of a policeman. I have to do that which in simple terms will ensure food for the poor ( garib ke pet me anna pounche ) and more spending power is provided to the citizens," Singh said after assuming office as the 29th Finance Minister.

Singh, who swapped the post with Yashwant Sinha in the recent Cabinet reshuffle, said, "There should be more money in his (citizen's) pocket. There should be more money in the housewife's purse."

Asserting that prices were low, balance of payments comfortable, Singh said the fundamentals were sound and it shall be his endeavour to further strengthen it.

He said the 5.4 per cent growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2001-02 was no mean achievement considering the difficult global economic situation and several other adverse factors.

Singh stressed on instilling confidence in domestic and foreign investors besides trade and industry and said, "We need to address the regulatory mechanism which had shown some infirmities."

There were, however, certain deficiencies including fiscal deficit, which needed to be addressed, he added.

Singh also said the government will address the important economic legislations when Parliament session starts.

PTI