Varanasi, March 26:  President Ram Nath Kovind today praised the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government for their efforts in rapidly developing the temple town, saying it is moving towards becoming a 21st century smart city.

The President was here to lay foundation stone of two important road projects worth Rs 3,473 crore, including the four laning of NH-7 and construction of Varanasi Ring Road Phase -2 (Bypass road).

Addressing the gathering here, Kovind praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for carrying out development works in the holy city. Kovind said the government is focusing on cleanliness of the Ganga river and the work on sewage treatment plant has been started under Namami Gange programme.

The President distributed appointment letters to 10 youths, who were selected during a job fair organised by the Vyavasaik Shiksha Evam Kaushal Vikas Vibhag of the state government. He also visited the stalls of various companies that recently held training and recruitment drive here.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Ram Naik, among others, were present on the occasion.

Kovind received the first copy of the Sanskrit translation of Naik's book ‘Charaiveti-Charaiveti'.