What measures did the Modi government take to weaken the 2010 Act meant for protecting monuments and archaeological sites

The Modi government made a few changes to the 2010 Act meant for protecting monuments and archaeological sites. These changes have been criticized by the Congress party, who allege that they were attempts to weaken the Act.

• One of the changes introduced by the Modi government was the reduction in the punishment for unauthorized construction near protected monuments. The maximum punishment under the Act was decreased from two years to just three months imprisonment.
• Another modification made was the provision for compounding offenses. This allowed offenders to pay a fine to the government as a settlement, thereby avoiding prosecution.
• The Modi government also gave more power to the central government in decision-making related to protected monuments. The central government now has the authority to grant or revoke permissions for construction activities within 100 meters of a monument, which was earlier the jurisdiction of the local authorities.

These changes have raised concerns about the dilution of the Act's effectiveness and the potential for encroachments and damage to monuments and archaeological sites. The Congress party argues that these amendments were made to benefit certain vested interests at the expense of cultural heritage.