The Tamil Nadu School Education Department announced, on Wednesday, December 4, that half-yearly examinations in districts impacted by Cyclone Fengal will be postponed to the first week of January 2025. This decision comes as heavy rainfall and flooding caused disruptions to the academic schedule in these areas.
Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi clarified that the exams will proceed as scheduled on December 9 for all schools except those directly affected by the cyclone. Both practical and theory exams originally slated for December have been postponed to January for the affected schools.
Minister Poyyamozhi emphasized that the department is actively working with school headmasters in the most severely impacted areas, including Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore. He has instructed officials to ensure all necessary arrangements are made for the postponed exams.
Minister Poyyamozhi chaired a meeting with officials from 15 affected districts, urging them to prioritize the assessment of schools in areas with severe damage, particularly those impacted by high river flows. District Monitoring Officers have been directed to take immediate action in areas where schools have sustained damage to buildings or trees and to submit detailed reports. School principals have been tasked with inspecting electrical wiring, books, and records for potential damage. The department has additionally instructed schools to avoid dilapidated buildings and educate students on safety protocols during disasters.