This chapter describes and analyses the technology-based social assessment process in the Indian Public Distribution System (PDS) in Tamil Nadu and its impact on vulnerable communities. After introducing the history, characteristics, and policies of the PDS, it presents the current actors, stakeholders, and the processes involved, especially those of socially assessing beneficiaries for receiving rations and the role of technology. It investigates the performance, characteristics, gaps and barriers of the existing PDS in the high-performing state Tamil Nadu, the role “cultural resistance” plays in everyday social assessment practices in Fair Price Shops, the effects of the current practices on vulnerable groups, and how these groups envisage improvements for a more desired system. The chapter uses two data collection approaches to address its research questions: A quantitative household analysis focusing on household demographics, ration utilisation, savings due to rationed items, and overall satisfaction with the PDS, and a Safe Spaces workshop with participants from vulnerable communities to gather qualitative data about the role of culture and context in daily assessment practices. The use of biometric data and distribution algorithms can benefit from insights into these socio-cultural dynamics: decision-makers have to take them into account for system improvements which are yet to adapt to the AI framework.