The correct answer is 2000 because the question is asking about the establishment of NIT (National Institute of Technology). NITs were established in India as institutions of national importance to provide quality technical education. The year 2000 is significant because it marks the establishment of the first set of NITs, which were previously known as Regional Engineering Colleges (RECs). In 2002, all the RECs were renamed as NITs, and since then, several new NITs have been established across the country. Therefore, 2000 is the correct answer as it represents the initial establishment of NITs in India.