Uri, May 12: : The foundation stone of the Government Degree College building was laid in Uri in Baramulla district on Monday by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

The double-storey building would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 10.78 crore. It would comprise 12 lecture halls, nine laboratories, a library and two toilet blocks.

Jammu and Kashmir Projects Constructions Corporation (JKPCC), the executing agency, was asked by Azad to complete the building within 18 months instead of the scheduled period of two years.

Azad also visited the existing college which had been functioning for the last four months in pre-fabricated structures. He interacted with the students. At present, the total strength of the college was 220, including 160 boys.

Union Water Resources Minister and state Congress president Saif-ud-din Soz, state Health and Medical Education Minister Mangat Ram Sharma were among those present on the occasion.