New Delhi, June 4 Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Kamal Nath has welcomed President Pratibha Patil's address to the joint session of the parliament and seconded her statement that the enhancement of economic activity is the top priority of government.

"There should be enhancement of economic activity as this will lead to development of rural areas and generation of new employment opportunities and this will be the most important economic step forward. That is what the President has said that these areas will be given priority," Nath said.

However, BJP leader Yashwant Sinha termed Presidential speech as the "shorter version of Congress party's election manifesto."

"It is a shorter version of the manifesto. The difference between President's joint address and budget is that President doesn't have to discuss anything about finance in the address whereas in the budget you can't do without it. So they have made lot of promises. If they are fulfilled then it will be good for the country and all the citizens," Sinha said.

In her address, Patil had outlined the UPA Government's broad agenda for the next five years.

She said the government would aim to revive economic growth with higher investments in sectors such as infrastructure, while adhering to fiscal prudence.

President Patil said that the government will also take steps to encourage foreign investment inflows, list shares of state-run firms and infuse more capital in banks to help boost economic growth which is at a six-year low. (ANI)