China to reform public complaints handling system

China today unveiled a series of measures to reform its grievance redressal system, weeks after the ruling Communist Party directed authorities to address public complaints in a timely manner amid social tensions.
Zhang Enxi, deputy head of the State Bureau for Letters and Calls (SBLC), said that China will expand channels for the public to file petitions through hotlines and internet.
Close attention will be given to all petitions, especially those from people who are filing their first appeals, state-run Xinhua quoted Zhang as saying.
Hundreds of petitioners rushing to capital Beijing to complaint to higher authorities against actions like mass demolitions have been physically prevented, sent back or imprisoned over the years.

Zhang said a pilot mechanism has been launched to evaluate petitioners' satisfaction with the authority's work, and the system will be implemented in all relevant agencies across the country by next year.