Understanding the Passage and the Question

The passage discusses the historical context of education being moved from the State List to the Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution during the Emergency era via the 42nd Amendment Act. It reflects on the changes that have occurred in the education sector over the 46 years since this amendment. The question asks us to select the most appropriate word to fill in blank number 3, which is part of the sentence: "In this period, the education sector has seen far too many changes, and most can’t be ______ (3) ______."

Analyzing Blank Number 3

The sentence indicates that many changes have happened in the education sector since the 42nd Amendment. The phrase "most can't be ______" suggests that these changes are largely permanent or difficult to undo. We need a word that fits this meaning.

Evaluating the Options for Blank 3

Let's look at the given options:

1. turned
2. backed
3. returned
4. reversed

Consider how each word fits into the sentence "most can't be ______".

• turned: Changes can be 'turned around' (changed direction) or 'turned back' (reverted), but 'turned' alone doesn't convey the idea of undoing a change in this context.
• backed: 'Backed' usually relates to support (e.g., 'backed by evidence') or movement (e.g., 'backed up'). It doesn't fit the context of undoing a change in the education sector.
• returned: One might 'return to' an old system or method, but changes themselves aren't typically 'returned'. This word doesn't naturally complete the phrase "most can't be returned".
• reversed: To reverse something means to change it back to its previous state or condition, or to make it the opposite. Significant changes, like the introduction of a common national medical test mentioned as an example in the passage, are often difficult to 'reverse' or undo. The phrase "most can't be reversed" perfectly captures the idea that the changes are deep-seated and largely irreversible.

Determining the Most Appropriate Word

Based on the analysis, the word "reversed" is the most suitable option to describe changes in the education sector that are difficult to undo after decades. The sentence "most can’t be reversed" logically follows the idea that many significant changes have taken place over 46 years.

Conclusion

The phrase "most can't be reversed" accurately conveys that the many changes in the education sector since the 42nd Amendment are largely permanent or cannot be undone. Therefore, 'reversed' is the correct word for blank number 3.

Revision Table: Key Concepts

Additional Information: Education and the Concurrent List

Before the 42nd Amendment in 1976, education was primarily a State subject. This meant that state governments had the main authority over educational policies and administration within their states.

The 42nd Amendment moved education, along with forests, weights and measures, protection of wild animals and birds, and administration of justice, from the State List to the Concurrent List. This change was significant because it allowed the central government to play a more active role in shaping education policy across the country.

Being on the Concurrent List means both the central government and state governments can legislate on education. If there is a conflict between a central law and a state law on a subject in the Concurrent List, the central law generally prevails.

The passage notes that despite this change, states still retain considerable autonomy in operating their own universities, schools, and setting syllabi. However, the move to the Concurrent List has facilitated nationwide initiatives like common entrance tests (e.g., for medical admissions) and national policy frameworks, leading to widespread changes over the past four decades that, as the passage states, are difficult to reverse.