New Delhi: Collapse of the law and order machinery in Bihar, provision of 25 per cent job reservation for SCs and STs in private sector and deteriorating plight of farmers were among the host of issues that figured during zero hour in Lok Sabha today (Dec 3, 2004).

Mentioning about the law and order situation, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) member Sushil Kumar Modi said the ongoing spat between two Union Ministers, Laloo Prasad Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan, had worsened the situation.

One of the two engineers of the National Hydro-electric Power Corporation, T Mandal, was yet be freed from clutches of kidnappers, Modi said.

His family members are being asked by kidnappers to pay a ransom of Rs five crore for his release failing which he will be killed, Modi said.

Doctors and engineers "are living in fear" in Bihar and all construction works have come to a halt, he said demanding a statement from Government.

RPI (Republican Party of India) member Ramdas Athawale sought 25 per cent job reservation for those belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in private sector jobs.

The UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government should convene an all-party meeting to reach a consensus on the issue, he added.

Expressing concern over the plight of farmers, Ranjeeta Ranjan of Lok Janshakti Party said the acute shortage of fertilisers had badly hit farmers. Whatever quantity of fertiliser was available with the stockists was being sold in black market, she said.