New Delhi, Oct. 2 -- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the opening of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across 17 states and Union Territories (UTs) in the country, aimed at facilitating the educational needs of the wards of the increased number of central government employees. Of the 57 new KVs, a maximum 19 or one-third of the new schools are approved for Bihar, 4 each for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and rest for Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Haryana, and UT of Jammu and Kashmir among others. "Covering 17 states and UTs, these 57 new KVs will expand the reach of quality and affordable education in aspirational, underserved, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and hilly areas and fulfil educational requirements of a vast population," said Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a post on X. The 57 new KVs are expected to cost about Rs.5,862.55 crore over nine years from 2026-27. PM Modi hailed the announcement. "It is gladdening that KVs will include Balvatikas, nurturing children from the foundational stage. Several students will benefit, alongside the creation of many jobs," he said in a post on X....