Mysuru: About 29.9% of children studying between classes I and XII screened under the RBSK Swasthya Kirana in Mandya district, between April 1 and Nov 30, 2025, are suffering from hypertension. This is the second highest number of children with hypertension in the state after Davanagere. According to the data shared by health minister Dinesh Gundurao in response to a question by MLC Tippanna Kamaknoor in the recently concluded Belagavi session of the legislative council, in Mandya district 1,11,421 children studying in govt and govt-aided schools between classes I and XII were screened. Among them, 33,345 were found to have hypertension. As per the data, Davanagere has 30.3% children with hypertension issues. Out of 1,22,497 children screened, 38,355 children were reported having hypertension.Ramanagara district has the lowest percentage of children with hypertension, with just 1.9%, followed by Kodagu (2.1%) and Chamarajanagar (2.4%).According to the teachers, changes in the diet of the children are resulting in more health problems. They pointed out that even though healthy mid-day meals and eggs are offered in the schools, students are addicted to junk food.Shivanna Mangala, president of the High School Teachers’ Association, Mandya, said students are spending an average of Rs 50 on junk food daily. “Even after healthy food at the school, they eat junk food. Naturally, it is affecting their health,” he said. “There is a lack of awareness among parents and children about the ill effects of junk food,” he observed.“If parents or teachers try to educate about the harmful effects of junk food, many students get angry. The public is not serious about the issue,” he added.A teacher, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the health department must start awareness drives at the school level against the diet followed by children. “Doctors must create awareness as children listen to them,” he said.**Data Box**District: Number of children screened: Number of children with hypertension Davanagere: 1,22,497: 38,355 Mandya: 1,11,421: 33,345Mysuru: 1,78,566: 28,466 Hassan: 1,11,102: 17,212 Shivamogga: 1,29,585: 15,226 Chikkamagaluru: 72,172: 3,265
