Noted Indian-American community leader Upendra J Chivukula has been appointed Deputy Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, recognising the growing influence of the Indian community in the political arena in the US.

Chivukula was appointed by Speaker Joseph J Roberts in recognition of his accomplishments as a legislator and contribution to the welfare of the people of the State.

"Assemblyman Upendra J Chivukula has been an outstanding leader who works very hard and whom I am proud to work with in the New Jersey General Assembly," said the Speaker who considers Upendra "a very good friend."

Chivukula, who was first elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2002 and has taken up several issues of interest to the Indian community including racial profiling, said, "I am humbled and grateful by this honour and accept it on behalf of my constituents -- people of New Jersey as well as the Indian-American community -- whose issues and concerns I have been privileged to represent in a State that is home to the highest number of Indian Americans in the nation."

In his capacity as Chairman of the Telecommunications and Utilities Committee, Chivukula sponsored legislation to deregulate the State's telecommunications industry.

"Cutting down bureaucratic and outdated regulatory measures will help New Jersey retain and attract more business, thus enhancing our regional competitiveness," noted Chivukula, an engineer by profession who spent many years working for AT&T Bell Labs.

Chivukula had also sponsored a landmark legislation declaring October 15 through November 14 as Diwali month in New Jersey.