New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): Jammu and Kashmir occupies a "special place" for the central government and it includes rehabilitation of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, President Pranab Mukherjee said here Monday.

Addressing a joint sitting of both houses of parliament, the president also thanked the armed and paramilitary forces for their contribution to the relief and rescue operations during the recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Jammu and Kashmir occupies a place of enormous importance in the agenda of my government," the president said.

"Government has endeavoured to create a conducive environment in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, specially for the various displaced segments of its population. This includes facilitating the rehabilitation of over 60,000 Kashmiri Pandit families," Mukherjee said.

"The government has taken effective steps in this regard, it includes inter alia providing government jobs, economic opportunities and security," he said.

The president added that the central government made special efforts during the recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir.

"During the recent unprecedented flood situation, my government made special efforts in collaboration with the state government to minimise the impact of disaster and augment rehabilitation."

Highlighting the contribution of the armed and paramilitary forces, the president said "The nation is deeply indebted to our armed and paramilitary forces for the outstanding service rendered during relief operations to flood affected people in Jammu and Kashmir."