What began as an experiment about 25 years ago at Dr Reddy’s Yanam plant to train rural youth in pharmaceutical manufacturing has transformed thousands of lives. From shop-floor trainees, many have risen to manage high-tech pharma plants at Dr Reddy’s and other companies.
The initiative, aimed at developing Self-Management Teams (SMTs) in pharmaceutical manufacturing, has created a win-win situation for all stakeholders through the company’s Learn, Earn and Flourish Programme (LEFP), G V Prasad, Co-Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, told businessline.
“Workers at the ground level are generally faceless and often caught in a trap of temporary employment. There is a need to give them an identity, stability and opportunities to upgrade their skills and grow in life,” he said.
The LEFP is the solution the company found and it has been delivering results. “In many places, workers join and remain workers. This model helps them grow in life and advance their careers,” Prasad said.
Selected youth receive a stipend and hostel facilities and can pursue their studies while working, eventually earning degrees in pharmacy, engineering, sciences or other specialisations required for manufacturing operations.
The programme is not part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives but is a component of its human resources strategy. “It is actually a bit more expensive than hiring workers, as we spend on providing facilities to them,” he said.
The programme has recorded significant progress. A total of 4,917 people have participated, of whom 4,167 have graduated, while 462 are currently pursuing their degrees.
“Most of them are in important roles in formulations and other areas of the industry. Of these, 1,693 are currently working at Dr Reddy’s, while the rest have moved to opportunities across the globe over the years,” Prasad said.
Given the programme’s effectiveness and proven track record, the company hopes the industry and the government will introduce similar initiatives to address the significant skills gap in manufacturing.
“The top three advantages of the programme are a motivated, multi-skilled workforce and a clear path for individual growth. It is a win for individuals who cannot afford to study, for the industry, which gets a vibrant workforce, and for society as a whole,” Prasad said.
The participants have also benefited from the initiative. “Joining Dr Reddy’s has given me a good opportunity to learn about the pharmaceutical industry through NTTF training and SMT sessions. As a fresher, I have understood that learning is a continuous process. My goal is to gain practical knowledge and become a skilled employee,” said Viveka, a current participant, who hails from Srikakulam.
To share its positive experience with LEFP with the industry and other stakeholders, Prasad has brought out a book, Learn, Earn & Flourish: A Playbook for India’s Manufacturing Workforce, which was recently released by Telangana Minister for Labour, G. Vivekanand.
The book captures Prasad’s insights on manufacturing, skilling, and the need to bridge existing gaps to drive the economy. It also has many success stories.
Published on October 29, 2026
