Jaipur, Jan 20 (IANS): Calling corruption a "deep-rooted malaise", Congress president Sonia Gandhi Sunday said the party must "lead a struggle" to counter its effect.

"Let me reiterate corruption at all levels is a deep-rooted malaise and all sections of society are effected by it. We must, as a party, continue to lead a determined struggle to combat it effectively," Sonia Gandhi said at the party's 'Chintan Shivir' here.

She said corruption was the main concern of the nation when the party held its session in Burari in July 2011.

She said a five-point agenda to deal with corruption was given and the party has moved on with it.

The key among the steps taken was introducing Lokpal bill in parliament, introducing more transparency in allocation of natural resources and reviewing discretionary powers of ministers that could lead to misuse of public office, she said.

"We have introduced path-breaking legislation for redressing public grievances, protecting whistle-blowers and ensuring transparency in large government purchase and contracts," she said.

"We have launched the historic 'Apka paisa apke hath' (direct cash transfer) initiative," she said.

Government forced to take harsh decisions: Sonia
Jaipur, Jan 20 (IANS): Congress president Sonia Gandhi Sunday said here the central government was forced to take some "harsh steps" because of the global economic slowdown.

"When the whole world was dealing with financial crisis, India was not that badly effected. But today even India is effected with global economic situation. That has forced our government to take some harsh steps," Sonia Gandhi said on the last day of the Congress meet here.

The 'Chintan Shivir', the Congress party's introspective meet began here Jan 18 and will conclude Sunday.

"I know that (economic slowdown) has caused some problem to the common people, but our government should explain to the people the steps they have taken to deal with inflation," she said.

Her statement comes days after the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government announced a partial deregulation in diesel prices, which has been met huge opposition from political parties and key allies.

The government had earlier been criticised on its decisions of approving foreign direct investment in retail, routine hike in petrol prices, and a cap on subsidised cooking gas.