Beijing bans petitioners seeking redress from appealing directly to higher authorities
In move likely to stir discontent, ancient system of appealing to Beijing over local grievances and graft is curtailed
Desperate to avoid protests in the capital, the central government has banned citizens from bypassing local authorities to file petitions in Beijing.
The new regulation, issued by the State Bureau for Letters and Calls on Wednesday, will be enforced from May 1, in the latest effort to streamline the chaotic petitioning system.
Making the trek to the capital is seen as the only way for villagers and provincial residents to air grievances and seek justice from higher authorities over wrongdoing at home. Local officials and sometimes hired thugs are known to track down and stop petitioners en route to Beijing, as they may expose local problems.
The purpose of this regulation is to clarify the jurisdiction, regulate the procedure and improve the efficiency of handling petitions
A high number of petitions are seen as a black mark against a local government’s ability to maintain peace and order. In practice, few of the cases are ever resolved.
“Petitioners should file their complaints only at their administrative local level and the local authorities have the obligation to handle the petitions properly,” Zhang Enxi, deputy head and spokesman of the bureau, was quoted by Xinhua as saying.
“Central government departments will not take complaints about issues that should be handled by provincial governments or that are being processed by them.
“The purpose of this regulation is to clarify the jurisdiction, regulate the procedure and improve the efficiency of handling petitions,” Zhang said. “It is expected to help citizens file petitions in a stepwise manner.”
