CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday directed the Department of School Education (DSE) to defer the half-yearly examinations across the state, in view of the loss of textbooks due to the impact of cyclone Michaung.

Stalin, also advised the DSE to reschedule the half-yearly examinations under the state syllabi from December 13, Wednesday instead of December 11, Monday.

"I've ordered the DSE to provide textbooks, notebooks, uniforms and back bags to the students who have lost their possessions due to the impact of cyclone Michaung in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts on December 11 and 12. Since the half-yearly examinations are scheduled to begin on December 11, Monday, the DSE has been directed to commence the examinations from December 13, Wednesday across the state, considering the situation that students cannot prepare for the examination without textbooks," a statement from chief minister Stalin read.

Further, Stalin advised the DSE officials to release the fresh time-table for the half-yearly examinations.

Meanwhile, Stalin allocated Rs 1.90 crore for the cleaning work of schools in the rain-hit areas of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts.