Kolkata, Aug 15 (IANS): The Communist Party of India-Marxist Friday criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her penchant to introduce awards and "waste tax payers' money".

On the occasion of 68th Independence Day, Banerjee awarded "Chief Minister's Medal" to a host of Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service officers for their "outstanding" and "commendable" service to the state.

The Banerjee government earlier introduced the "Banga Bhushan and Banga Bibhushan" set of awards for excellence in the fields of art, culture, sports etc.

"On one hand the chief minister keeps complaining about lack of funds and whines how she has not been able to do a lot of work due to the financial crisis. On the other she keeps on introducing one award after the other," CPI-M state secretary Biman Bose said.

"Banga Bhushan, Banga Bibhushan, Mahanayaka... she keeps on introducing awards. I can't fathom why she needs to award an officer for doing his or her job and waste the taxpayers money," added Bose.