District partners to verify pageants
The Beauty & Aesthetics Society of Nagaland (BASN) has moved to regulate the participation of Naga girls in national beauty pageants, introducing a centralized approval system and temporary restrictions on unverified contests, citing concerns over participant welfare and transparency.
The decision was adopted in collaboration with BASN district partners following a meeting held on November 22, 2025, where members discussed issues surrounding national pageant platforms and their impact on contestants from the state.
According to BASN, the move comes in response to what it described as instances of misleading practices by certain pageants, prioritising financial gain over the development and welfare of participants. It also raised concerns over alleged exploitation and unfair treatment of aspiring contestants in some cases.
As part of the new framework, BASN has introduced a mandatory approval system, under which all district partners must obtain prior clearance from BASN before sending contestants to any national pageant. The society will also jointly verify the credibility of pageants along with district partners before participation is allowed.
BASN has further stated that contestants participating in national pageants without its approval and that of respective district partners will not be officially recognised. It added that such individuals may not be considered for future opportunities, endorsements or representation under the organisation.
The society has also announced a temporary restriction on participation in unverified or non-recognised national pageants until a more transparent and regulated system is established.
However, BASN clarified that recognised platforms such as Femina Miss India and Miss North East (organised by NEBPO) will continue to be endorsed under the current framework.
The organisation said the initiative is aimed at ensuring the safety, dignity and proper development of participants, adding that it remains committed to guiding and protecting young women representing Nagaland in national platforms.
BASN has also indicated that the framework will be subject to review and may be modified or lifted once a more structured system is in place.
BASN district partners include the organisers of Miss Chumoukedima, Miss Sumi, Miss Wokha, Miss Dimapur, Miss Kohima, Miss Phom, Miss Mokokchung, Miss Mon, Miss Peren, Miss Phek, Miss Tseminyu, Miss Niuland and Miss Kiphire.
