China’s natural disaster relief system will be further enhanced through raising subsidies for victims and speeding up reconstruction of damaged residential buildings, according to the State Council executive meeting held on May 3.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Finance asked related departments to readjust and optimize the financial expenditure structure, providing more financial support to solve issues concerning people’s basic livelihood among key regions, fields and groups.

The meeting on May 3 also decided to adopt a standardized subsidy system in accordance with various market factors such as fluctuating commodity prices. Meanwhile, compensation for families of dead victims, living allowance for transitional period and subsidy for reconstruction will be greatly improved.

According to Zhang Lianqi, economist and a CPPCC member, the move indicates China’s determination to focus on people’s interests with solid financial support in disaster relief. And the central budget has replaced the local budget in such efforts to reach a nationwide standard in public service.

The 2017 government work report also set up goals to reinforce efforts to enhance people’s lives with focus on natural disaster relief work and related subsidy mechanism.

In addition, the meeting urged local governments and related departments to continue last year’s relief efforts and solve the housing problems for all the people who are still in temporary housing after natural disasters last year.