Bhubaneswar, June 1 (IANS): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday directed the officials to give top priority to simplifying regulatory mechanisms to make Odisha one of the easiest places for doing business, a statement said.

Chairing a meeting on 'Ease of Doing Business' here, the chief minister advised the officials to do away with old and redundant procedures, and synchronize multiple inspections.

"We must learn the best practices across the world and move with times," said the chief minister, emphasizing on the need to work in an atmosphere of trust.

He suggested that officials concerned leverage the benefits of technology, and provide clearances in a transparent, hassle-free and time-bound manner.

The industries department is working with other departments to bring about regulatory reforms and simplified procedures.

It was decided at the meeting that online payment of and filing of return for entertainment tax will be implemented by June 30. The commercial tax department would also issue approval certificates online in the form of digitally signed documents by June 30.

The Pollution Control Board will introduce provision of online returns for various pollution related acts through a common application, said the release.

The IPICOL will soon make notification to provide clear timelines for addressing investors grievances. A central inspection agency will be set up soon which will be responsible for various inspections.

Data at sub-registrar's office and land record offices have been digitized. The municipal land records will be digitized and will be integrated with the data of the sub-registrar's office and land record offices for easy access of various information.

The meeting was attended by Revenue Minister Bijayshree Routray, Urban Development Minister Puspendra Singh Deo, Labour and ESI Minister Prafulla Mallick and other officials.