New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANS): Even as Delhi has become known as the "rape capital of India", the home ministry Wednesday said the impression is not quite true -- there are other cities where the situation is even worse.

"The situation in Delhi in not as bad as portrayed. In the country, Delhi comes 16th or 17th in cases of crime against women. Even internationally, the situation is not so bad," Minister of State for Home Affairs M. Ramachandran told the Rajya Sabha.

Asked about the 64 cases of sexual violence registered in Delhi since the gruesome Dec 16 gang-rape case, the minister said the increase in the number of cases reported was also because women had now gained greater confidence, and were approaching the police in larger numbers.

"Women are confident to go to a police station and file a report. That is why there is a rise in cases registered," Ramachandran said.

The gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi, who subsequently died in a Singapore hospital, unleashed mass protests in the capital and across the country. Protestors demanded stringent anti-rape laws and greater security for women.

The minister said action is being taken against police officers who do not register rape cases -- such action has already been initiated against many police officers, he said.

Asked about the safety of women from the north eastern states, the minister said the government was taking all "necessary" steps.