President Mukherjee praises 'vibrant' Gujarat for socio-economic development

Kheda (Guj), Nov 30: On his maiden visit to Gujarat, President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday praised the "vibrant" state for achieving a comprehensive socio-economic development, which he said was possible due to the "industrious and enterprising nature" of the Gujaratis.

Inaugurating Amul's cattle feed manufacturing plant here, Mukherjee said the state has some of the "largest industrial corporations while its agricultural growth is amongst the highest in the country."

The President said the state has progressed on all fronts after Independence and this has been possible due to the industrious and enterprising nature of the Gujaratis. He also said that Gujarat is the forerunner of the cooperative movement in the dairy sector.

The President is on a three-day maiden visit to Gujarat after assuming country's top office on July 25, 2012.

Mukherjee mentioned that the state had played a leading role in India's freedom struggle and some of the tallest leaders of the movement belonged to this region. The Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi was the nerve of the freedom movement, the President said.

"I am also glad to have this opportunity to visit Gujarat, a vibrant state which has shown the way forward for comprehensive socio-economic development," Mukherjee said.

He said the government has prioritised its support for dairy sector through a National Daily Plan under which Rs 2,242 crore will be invested in the first phase.

After inaugurating the plant, the President said the dairy farmers can rest assured that they will continue to receive all support from the government.

PTI