Miss Universe India refutes BASN remarks, says claims incomplete and misleading

DIMAPUR — The Miss Universe India (MUI) Organisation has issued a clarification following remarks reportedly made by the Beauty & Aesthetic Society of Nagaland (BASN) during a press conference on November 22, stating that several comments offered an “incomplete and, at times, inaccurate understanding” of how the national pageant operates.

In a statement on Tuesday, MUI said BASN, which previously held the Nagaland state franchise, had questioned the integrity of national pageants, criticised the franchise model and raised concerns over fees, while also discouraging contestants from participating in certain national competitions. The organisation said it could not comment on BASN’s experiences with other pageants but emphasised that each operates under its own structure and policies.

MUI said it is the prerogative of state-level organisers to choose their national platform, just as it is the responsibility of the national body to decide to whom it grants state franchise rights. The organisation added that its response was necessary due to the potential for misinformation to affect aspiring contestants and parents.

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Clarifying the franchise system, MUI said the structure followed in India is the same used globally, where international licence holders authorise national directors, who may appoint state franchise partners. The state model, it said, enables standardised evaluation, wider access, reduced financial burden on candidates, and regional representation.

Countering criticism of fees, the statement said franchise charges are licensing costs and that Northeast states have some of the lowest rates in the country. Revenue generated through sponsorships, ticket sales, endorsements and sub-events remains with state organisers, it added.

Responding to suggestions that candidates from the Northeast face bias, MUI termed the allegations “completely baseless,” citing strong performances by contestants from the region in recent years, including finalists and titleholders from Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya and Assam.

The statement noted broader challenges within the Northeastern pageant ecosystem, including limited grooming infrastructure, lack of scouting, outdated judging criteria in some state-level events and minimal investment in contestant development.

MUI also clarified that the INR 2,999 registration fee functions as a filter to ensure serious applicants at national auditions, and has been waived for some Northeastern states with active state pageants. It added that organisations unable to take up a franchise may opt for a zero-fee talent partnership model.

The organisation said discouraging participation in national competitions harms young women by denying them opportunities for exposure, career advancement and international representation.

“The Miss Universe India Organisation remains committed to fairness, transparency and world-class standards,” the statement said, adding that it continues to support deserving contestants from every Indian state.