“The revised budget will allow almost 1.5 trillion rubles to be allocated for the implementation of anti-crisis measures and allow the state to guarantee fully social obligations,” said Mr. Putin.

The revised budget will be discussed at a government meeting on March 19.

The new plan will intensify anti-crisis measures adopted last year worth an estimated total of some US$150 billion and comes after consultations with regional governors, trade unions and employers, Mr. Putin added.

The PM said the Russian government will submit a comprehensive anti-crisis package for 2009 to the State Duma together with the budget.

He also suggested publishing the budget and the proposed package of measures to experts to discuss and hoped that all Duma factions would take part in the discussion.

“Considering the politicisation of this issue, I think there will be many more specific proposals. I would like to add that we will continue to correct and supplement the anti-crisis programme depending on the world and Russian economy,” Mr. Putin said.