Minister of State for Education Priya Sethi today informed the House that the government has approved opening of 17 new Degree Colleges and priority would be given to the uncovered areas of the state.Replying to a question of Sofi Yousuf, the Minister informed that the government is working on finalization of the locations for setting up of the newly sanctioned colleges.She further said that the department's endeavour is to commence the academic activities soon in these colleges. The opening up of new colleges at a particular place/area shall be the subject to the availability of requisite land and feasibility of demand which includes the sufficient number of feeding Higher Secondary Schools, she added.