BEIJING — The number of public grievances filed through the internet increased by 79.4 percent in 2017, China’s petition-handling authority said on Jan 24.

Petitioning, also known as “letters and calls,” is the administrative system for hearing public complaints and grievances. In China, petitioners generally see injustice in land acquisition, education or environmental protection, among others.

China’s petitioning system dates back to the early 1950s and has played a supporting role in public supervision over Party and State organs.

Under the system, people can seek solutions and help when their rights are infringed upon. Their complaints will be forwarded by letters and calls agencies to the appropriate authorities, who then ensure the correction of improper practices.