VALPOI: The chairperson of the Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC), Ms Gulzar Bi Khan, stated on Saturday, that she is interested in contesting the municipality election that are scheduled to be held in a couple of months. She also expressed confidence that she would win the elections with the support of the people.

Ms Khan was elected as councillor from Nanus which is ward no 6, and she is the first woman to represent her constituency. Ms Khan is also the first woman to serve as chairperson of Valpoi municipality, and she has successfully completed her full term. During her term Valpoi has seen many projects being launched, like the hospital project, bus stand project, market complex and road widening.

Ms Khan said, "In my five years term, we have achieved and completed a lot of development work in the municipal areas under the guidance of the Health Minister, Mr Vishwajit Rane." She adds that all this would not have been possible without the assistance from her council members, who have supported her in the various projects.

Speaking on the issue of a direct flight from Goa to Mecca for Han pilgrims, Ms Khan, who is also a member of the Haj Committee said that on behalf of the Muslim community, she was grateful to the Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Praful Patel, South Goa MP, Mr Francisco Sardinha and the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat for their initiative and assistance. She said the Muslims in the state were very pleased with the direct flight decision. She said, "This direct flight from our state to Mecca will largely benefit the Haj pilgrims of Goa." Ms Khan further urged the government to meet other long pending demands of the Muslim community of the state, directed towards the welfare of the community.