Kathmandu, June 29:

National Council for Economic and Development Research (Narec) has proposed a model budget of Rs 192 billion for 2008-09.

Last year, it proposed a model budget of Rs 157 billion and the government announced a budget of Rs 169 billion. According to the model budget, the government should allocate Rs 106 billion for the recurrent and Rs 192 billion for capital expenditures and Rs 16 billion for the principal repayment.

Narec has focused sectorwise on agriculture, tourism, industry, energy, transportation, health, education, communication and drinking water.

Narec president Dr Chandra Mani Adhikari said the primary focus of the budget should be on reconstruction of infrastructure, smooth supply of essential products and social security..