Who is Neera Tanden? Joe Biden’s possible Indian-American pick for budget chief

Indian-American Neera Tanden may be chosen for the top position in the White House responsible for managing the administration’s budget as she is likely to be US President-elect Joe Biden’s choice for the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, local media reports suggested.

If the reports are confirmed by the United States Senate, the 50-year-old, who is currently the chief executive of the left-leaning Center for American Progress, would be the first woman of colour to head the Office of Management and Budget.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Tanden’s nomination is a part of Biden’s plan to build a team of liberal and centrist economic advisers to serve alongside planned Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen.

According to The New York Times, “The announcement — which will include Mr. Biden’s decision to name Janet L. Yellen, the former Federal Reserve chair, as Treasury secretary — will culminate in several women in top economic roles, including the first Black woman to lead the Council of Economic Advisers.”

“With the picks, Mr Biden is showcasing a commitment to diversity in his advisers and sending a clear message that economic policymaking in his administration will be shaped by liberal thinkers with a strong focus on worker empowerment as a tool for economic growth,” the US daily said.