New Delhi: Production of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) for domestic customers is going ahead in right earnest and during 2002-03, 11 choppers are to be produced, Defence Minister George Fernandes informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

He said during 2001-02, seven such helicopters were handed over to the Services and added the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had no firm orders from abroad for such aero product.

Fernandes said for involving private sector in the process and enhancing production under its manufacturing plans, HAL has taken steps for outsourcing components and parts from private companies.

He also said the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was currently in the development stage and was not yet ready to enter the export market.

The government has accepted the recommendation of the Territorial Army Review Committee that recruitment in Territorial Army should be voluntary but be re- inforced by compulsory recruitment, with limited liability of service, for government servants, Fernandes said.

However, he said, the modalities for implementation like duration, categories of employees, minimum service liability and selection criteria would need to be examined in consultation with concerned ministries and departments and state governments.

PTI