New Delhi: Facing criticism over the economic slowdown, BJP national president JP Nadda has directed party leaders to reach out to experts and masses to create awareness on the Union Budget's pro-people policies announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi government.

The BJP has directed all states to conduct state-level workshops to 'discuss and publicise' the Union Budget 2020. These workshops at the state level are to be organised between February 16 to February 23 at all state headquarters to create awareness regarding the people-friendly policies of the Modi government.

The Opposition has been reacting sharply to the Budget stating that it does not address the problems of unemployment and slow growth.

BJP has also directed that speakers from the finance domain be invited to the workshops besides ensuring participation of business and professional organisations.

Directions have been sent out to organise press conferences after the workshops in which one speaker from the Centre and one from the state will participate. The party has designated national general secretaries Ram Madhav and P Muralidhar Rao as coordinators of these workshops.

"Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget in the Parliament under the visionary and most popular leader of the world Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister concluded that new reforms would help to accelerate the economy, financially empower every citizen and strengthen the foundation of the economy in this decade," reads the communique sent out to the States.

The party has also decided to organise intellectual meets on the Budget at the district level as well.

ANI quoted a senior party leader saying, "One intellectual meet regarding Budget to be organised from February 24 to March 31 in every district. Highlights of the Budget should be presented. Business and professional organisations should participate. Either MP or specialist from the State should present the highlights followed by the press conference.”

Social media office-bearers have been asked to participate and widely publicise the Budget provisions.