China passes on Thursday a report on the the reconstruction plan following the May 12 quake that hit southwest China's Sichuan and some neighboring provinces.

The decision was made at the the third session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress.

In addition, the session approved a plan submitted by the State Council, China's Cabinet, on adjustment of the central budget in 2008 to establish a reconstruction fund for post-quake scheme.

The country plans to spend three years to complete preliminary reconstruction and further develop the quake-hit regions in the following five years, according to the plan.

Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu said on Wednesday some 40 billion yuan (US$5.83 billion) from the reconstruction fund would be dedicated to subsidize the rebuilding and repair of farmers' homes.

As of Thursday noon, the earthquake had claimed 69,185 lives and left 374,174 injured and 18,457 missing.

(Xinhua News Agency June 27, 2008)