The President Mrs. Pratibha Devising Patil urged the states to work in close coordination with the Centre for the growth and development of Micro Small and Medium scale Industries in the country. 54 per cent of these industries are located in rural areas. Addressing an award distribution function in New Delhi today, President Patil said that this sector has capacity to generate economic activities in rural areas by using local raw materials, local skills and create employment opportunities for people living there. She strongly advocated for strengthening the partnership between the States and the Centre by putting in place appropriate and suitable mechanism so that obstacles in the growth and development sector are removed. Mrs. Patil called for making technology, marketing, credit and skill development as major areas of focus for a sustainable and a stronger growth in the sector. She asserted that India has a young demographic profile and building skills is a challenge to make them productive and generate employment.The President gave awards to 28 entrepreneurs in the medium and small scale sector for their excellent performance. Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Mr. Dinsa Patel said that this sector provides employment to 60 million people through