Obama nominates Indian-American to head USAID

Lalit K Jha
Washington, Nov 11 (PTI) President Barack Obama has
nominated Indian-American Rajiv Shah to head US Agency for
International Development (USAID).
The post of Administrator, of the federal agency
responsible for all non-military aid by the US, had been kept
vacant by the Obama Administration so far.
If Congress confirms the nomination of Shah -- who at
present is the Under Secretary for Research, Education and
Economics and Chief Scientist at the US Department of
Agriculture -- then he would possibly become the highest
ranking Indian American in any US Administration.
"Rajiv brings fresh ideas and the dedication and
impressive background necessary to help guide USAID as it
works to achieve this important goal," Obama said in a
statement announcing his decision to nominate Shah as the
Administrator of USAID on Monday.
The mission of USAID is to advance US' interests by
strengthening our relationships abroad.
"I look forward to working with Rajiv in the months
and years ahead," Obama said.
Shah, presently, manages the Agricultural Research
Service, the Economic Research Service, the National
Agricultural Statistical Service and the National Institute of
Food and Agriculture in the US Department of Agriculture with
more than 10,000 staff worldwide including 2,200 federal
scientists and a budget of more than USD 2.6 billion. PTI LKJ
SDE