Chandigarh, March 12 -- Raising concern over Punjab's fiscal health, KC Singh, former ambassador and strategic affairs expert, on Wednesday said that the vicious cycle of distributing freebies won't bring development to the state.

"The AAP government wants to give Rs.1,000 to every woman. The focus should be on development rather than dishing out cash doles. I still remember what Mother Teresa said. She said that if someone asks for money, she gives them a fishing rod. Her idea was to impart to people the skills and ability to translate into economic independence," Singh said, while delivering the keynote address at "The Punjab Plan: Policy and Governance Summit" organised by Panj Foundation in Chandigarh.

"Doling out money will get you...