BEIJING, Oct. 15 -- China's top authority for handling public complaints on Wednesday issued a circular urging proper handling of petitions when the petitioners first file their grievances.

Those who fail to fulfill their duties in these procedures will be held accountable, said the circular from the State Bureau for Letters and Calls.

According to the bureau, authorities receiving a new petition should refer the matter to the government departments concerned or report it to leading officials in charge of the mentioned issues within 15 days.

Within the same period, the petitioners should get a proper reply via phone calls or letters.

Authorities charged with receiving petitions will be held liable if their failure to accept the complaints or to properly inform the petitioners results in the petitioners' repeated complaining or other serious consequences, the circular said.

It also urged greater transparency in petition-receiving and handling procedures.

These regulations will enter effect next month.