VISAKHAPATNAM: Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development D. Purandeswari on Sunday laid the foundation stone to the building of Andhra University College of Engineering for Women at Sivajipalem.

Stating that starting an engineering college for women was a matter of pride, she exhorted students to excel in their course and emerge leaders.

The building will be constructed at a cost of Rs.3.6 crores.

The first phase of the work will be completed in a year after which the classes presently being conducted at AU Engineering College will be shifted to the new premises.

Andhra University Vice-Chancellor Beela Satyanarayana, former MP Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, Deputy Mayor K. Dorabbai, Registrar P. V.G.D. Prasada Reddy and Engineering College Principal D. Radhakrishna participated.