First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov chaired a meeting held to discuss the government's anti-crisis package during his visit to Ivanovo, located some 300 km (186 miles) northeast of Moscow.
Mr Shuvalov confirmed at the meeting that the budget expenditures in 2009 had been increased by 660 billion roubles ($21.5 billion) to ensure implementation of the anti-crisis plans.
"This is a lot," he said, which is why "we have decided to discuss the draft programme with regional authorities. We are ready to hear your criticisms and will amend the programme if the regional authorities consider the events stipulated in it insufficient or think they will lack funds for their implementation."
The meeting in Ivanovo was attended by delegates from the Ministry of Healthcare and Social Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Finance, as well as Ivanovo Region Governor Mikhail Men and heads of regional party and public organisations.