Mohali, June 27 -- In a coordinated effort to curb child begging in Mohali, the district administration carried out a special drive on Thursday and rescued three children involved in begging. Following immediate verification of their documents and identities, the children were handed over to their respective parents. District child protection officer Navpreet Kaur said that parents were issued strict warning, with a clear message that any repetition of such act would attract legal consequences. The drive was conducted on the directions of Punjab's social security, women and child welfare minister, Baljit Kaur, and deputy commissioner (DC) Komal Mittal. The initiative is part of the state government's ongoing campaign against child exploitation and beggary. DC Mittal reiterated the administration's commitment to safeguarding child rights. She said, "The protection and welfare of children remains a top priority of the administration and such drives will continue to ensure children safety and development. Navpreet Kaur stated that engaging children in begging constitutes a punishable offence under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which mandates care, protection, and rehabilitation for children in need. The Act also holds individuals accountable for employing or using children for begging, prescribing penalties including imprisonment and fines. The drive was initiated by Vineet Verma, member of Punjab State Traders' Commission, who emphasised the need for sustained enforcement....