Shimla, Sep 23 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Wednesday laid foundation stones and inaugurated projects worth Rs.25 crore in Sirmaur district.

The chief minister laid the stone for the construction of the mini-secretariat building at Sangrah town to be built with an outlay of Rs.7.07 crore and inaugurated the building of a government college there constructed at a cost of Rs.16 crore, an official statement said.

He also laid the foundation stone for a water supply scheme in Sangrah to be completed with an expenditure of Rs.2 crore. The scheme will benefit over 4,200 people.

Virbhadra Singh said his government was committed to provide quality education.

"Currently, there are 94 government colleges, including five Sanskrit colleges, in the state," he added.

He expressed happiness over the increasing strength of girl students in colleges opened in rural and far-flung areas.

The chief minister said 90 out of 94 colleges were opened during Congress rule.

Official sources said the chief minister on Tuesday directed the education department to make 21 more colleges operational. A budgetary provision of Rs.5 crore has been made for each college.