The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is a branch of the Government of India. Ministry of Panchayati Raj looks into all matters relating to the Panchayati Raj and Panchayati Raj Institutions. It was created in May 2004. The ministry is headed by a minister of cabinet rank and transfers grants to rural local bodies for civic programs such as maintenance and construction of roads, pavements, bridges, drainage systems, parks, piped water supply, streetlights etc.