Miss Universe India (MUI) Statement Regarding Former State Franchise Holder Remarks

The Miss Universe India (MUI) Organisation issues this clarification in response to some of the remarks made during a press conference held on 22 November 2025 by the Beauty & Aesthetic Society of Nagaland (BASN), who previously held the MUI state franchise for Nagaland. While we respect their right to share their views, several of the statements presented offered an incomplete and, at times, inaccurate understanding of how the national pageant system specifically Miss Universe India operates.

During the press conference, BASN in general questioned the integrity of national pageants, criticised the franchise model, raised concerns about registration and related fees, and suggested that opportunities for Northeast contestants are limited or unfair. They also discouraged their contestants from participating in certain national competitions and, in their commentary, referred to both Miss Universe India and the Miss Universe Nagaland franchise they formerly held while expressing preference for a different national pageant as their chosen talent partner. In addition, they shared personal experiences involving pageants not affiliated with Miss Universe India or Glamanand.

We wish to clarify that we cannot speak for or comment on their experiences with any other organisation or franchise system outside of Miss Universe India. Each national pageant, state organiser, and private entity operates under its own structure, policies, and business model. Our responsibility is solely toward the Miss Universe India Organisation and the pageants conducted under Glamanand, the official and exclusive license holder of the Miss Universe franchise in India, along with several other respected international platforms.

It is entirely the discretion of any state-level pageant organisation to choose which national platform they wish to associate with. Similarly, it is their choice whether to seek a franchise, just as it is equally our responsibility and prerogative as a national organisation to determine to whom we grant a franchise based on alignment with our standards, values, and operational requirements.

Due to the seriousness of the claims made and their potential to mislead aspiring candidates, parents, and stakeholders, it is necessary for us to respond with full clarity, transparency, and factual information. Pageantry is not an informal activity but a globally structured, professional, multi-tiered system that has been followed for more than seven decades. All major international pageants, including Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, Miss Earth, Miss Grand International, and Miss Charm, operate under a uniform hierarchy: an international organisation grants a national license, and that national pageant may further distribute state or regional licenses to select finalists who ultimately represent their countries internationally. National licenses are granted only after substantial fees and thorough evaluation, and national directors are required to conduct legitimate national competitions, either by holding auditions in multiple cities — traditionally in selected metro cities in India or by organising state-level pageants under the state franchise model, crowning one candidate from each state.

Miss Universe India introduced the state franchise model nationally two years ago, which is now adopted by other national organisers, a positive development as it allows pageantry in India to reach smaller towns and become accessible to all. This model ensure equal opportunity for every state, standardised evaluation, transparency in selection, regional representation, local scouting of talent, reduced financial and travel burdens on candidates and encourages parental support. It is the same system followed in countries with strong international pageant performance, such as the USA, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and others. Describing this system as “commercial” reflects a misunderstanding of global pageantry. Without this structured hierarchy, states would lose their formal route to international pageants, national competitions would revert to limited metro auditions, and talent from smaller regions would be marginalised. State pageant organisers have a responsibility to strengthen this system rather than undermine it through misinformation.

Regarding the criticism of franchise fees, the spokesperson presented an incomplete and one-sided narrative, focusing on the cost without explaining the significant benefits that come with holding a franchise. The franchise fee is not a payment for sending a contestant to nationals but a licensing cost that grants the right to conduct an official Miss Universe India state pageant, use branding, operate under a globally recognised system, and access sponsorship, governmental support (in some cases) and be recognised as the official State partner. MUI’s franchise fee for Northeast states is among the lowest in India. Revenue from sponsorships, ticket sales, government grants (if any), and local endorsements is entirely received by the state franchise, as MUI does not take any percentage from it. A state franchise model provides substantial benefits, including media visibility, ticket-sale potential, brand collaborations, sub-events, and exposure for titleholders. For those who understand the essence of pageantry, the franchise fee represents an investment in developing skills, creating platform for growth, and making a tangible impact on society.

The state franchise model is essential for India due to its size and complexity, as a national pageant cannot efficiently conduct auditions across 28+ states and union territories. Globally, every successful pageant relies on this hierarchical structure, which follows the progression of state franchise, regional participation, national finalist, and finally, India’s international representative. This model ensures local representation, transparency, fairness, and recognition of cultural diversity. It generates employment opportunities at the local level, builds a strong pageant culture in every state, encourages widespread participation, and creates local role models. Furthermore, it establishes the “Miss Universe State Winner” as a respected ambassador for her state and provides aspiring contestants the opportunity to interact with and receive guidance from the reigning Miss Universe India and other National Winners, who serves as a jury member for state pageants.

Allegations that Northeast candidates are unfairly judged or denied opportunities are completely baseless. I want to emphasise again that we are speaking solely about our pageant, Miss Universe India. Northeast candidates have consistently performed exceptionally under our franchise system. For example, Ruopfuzhano Whiso of Nagaland was one of the runners-up at Miss Universe India 2024, and Sarangthem Nirupama of Manipur was one of the runners-up at Miss Universe India 2025. Four of the top eight finalists in Glamanand Supermodel India 2024 were also from the Northeast. This includes titleholders such as Irene Dkhar from Meghalaya, who was crowned Miss Tourism World India 2024, and Rajashree Dowarah from Assam, who was crowned Miss Cosmo India 2024, both of whom went on to represent India internationally. 

Having closely observed the pageant landscape in the Northeast over the years, I can say that despite a large and enthusiastic pageant fan base, the real challenges lie elsewhere. Participation remains low, grooming infrastructure is limited, there is a lack of talent scouting, the training ecosystem is underdeveloped, investment in contestant development is minimal, pageant formats are often outdated, and there is limited understanding of the specific requirements of different national and international pageants, including outdated judging criteria in some state- or city-based competitions, as well as limited understanding by some state pageant organisations. I want to emphasise that this is a general observation based on my experience over the years and is not directed at any particular organisation or state. A couple of months back, I highlighted these points in detail, and anyone interested can read the post on my Instagram, where it is pinned (@the_amjadkhan). From my experience, if these gaps are addressed, we will see a significant increase in talented contestants from the Northeast representing India at renowned international pageants.

Registration Fee — A Necessary Filter, Not a Barrier

The INR 2,999 registration fee ensures that only serious and well-prepared candidates attend auditions. In a free-to-enter model, thousands of unprepared walk-ins could arrive, making the process chaotic. MUI has waived registration fees for some of the Northeast states with active state pageants, including Nagaland. This ensures affordability while still maintaining the seriousness and quality of participation at the national level.

Talent Partner Option — Zero Fee

We also offer a Talent Partner programme for organisations that cannot afford a state franchise. Talent partners are connected with the relevant state franchise, which helps them increase their registration and talent pool. Any recognised state, district, or regional pageant interested in becoming a talent partner is welcome to join, provided they are willing to collaborate with the local state franchise holder. To make this more accessible for Northeast, we will be launching a dedicated Instagram page for the Northeast, where state, district, or regional pageants can directly DM us to express interest, and our team will get in touch. Aspiring candidates can also use this page to seek guidance, support, and training.

It is concerning that the former partner publicly stated they would discourage their contestants from participating in national pageants. Such decisions directly harm young women, as they lose the chance to represent their state, gain exposure at the national level, access global platforms, pursue career opportunities, secure endorsements, engage in social impact work, and compete internationally. Restricting candidates’ choices undermines both their potential and the integrity of the pageant system. Every aspirant must have the freedom to audition for national competitions. Restricting or banning participation reflects a cancel-culture mindset, which becomes a major blockage to growth and development.

A state pageant alone is insufficient; if it does not provide opportunities to compete at the national level, and if a national pageant does not lead to international representation, the entire ecosystem becomes irrelevant.

To conclude, I would just add that The Miss Universe India Organisation remains committed to fairness, transparency, and maintaining world-class standards. We support every deserving young woman from every Indian state, in her aspirations to represent India on the global stage. We encourage all stakeholders to understand the global pageant system, appreciate its structure, and collectively work to strengthen India’s international presence.

Amjad Khan

Director, Franchise Operations

Miss Universe India Organisation