The Assam State Forest Department has submitted 15 schemes worth Rs 150 crore to the Central Government, which include setting up of a genetics library, planting of trees through the Forest Development Agencies, strengthening of the Assam Forest Protection Force and improvement of the condition of the Kaziranga and Manas National Parks. Talking to newsmen the Minister of State for Forest Pradyut Bordoloi said that as per the Government's new policy, steps have been initiated to generate income and employment from the forest without compromising on protecting the forest cover and fast growing and commercially viable plants would be planted by the joint management committees so that the people derive income from the forests.