The Centre is said to be keeping its options open for the roll-out date for the goods and services tax (GST), with a number of companies as well as a few State governments raising concerns over the short time for the implementation of the indirect levy."We are confident of meeting the April 1, 2017 deadline for the roll out of GST and our strategies are also focused in that direction. But if the need be, we can look at extending its roll out by a few months," said a senior government official. "All States support GST and want it to be implemented at the earliest. But, it is better to have a sound design of the tax system than have a hurried approach. If required, there has to be a leeway of a few months, and alternate deadlines of say June 1, 2017 or September 1, 2017 should be considered," said a State Finance Minister, who did not wish to be named. Sources also indicated that the issue is likely to be raised when the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers meet on August 30. The Centre and the States still have to reach a consensus on a number of crucial issues before GST can be introduced, including the rates of tax, list of exemptions, control over small businesses and also finalise and pass the subsequent GST laws.